SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Gardner-Webb evened its Big South Conference series with Longwood, rallying for a 7-2 win Saturday at John Henry Moss Stadium.

The Lancers struck quickly on Jon Howard’s first-inning solo homer and an RBI double from Ben Pulliam. The Runnin’ Bulldogs answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame and took the lead for good on Ryan Kennell’s RBI single in the sixth. Kennell went 3 for 3 with two RBIs.

Gardner-Webb pulled away with a five-run eighth, highlighted by Ethan Liao’s two-run double. Colby Putnam earned the win with 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, allowing five hits and striking out four. Longwood’s Brady Hoover took the loss.

Gardner-Webb improved to 11-8. Longwood fell to 14-5. The series concludes Sunday.