AP Sports Preview

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — Winthrop visits High Point on Friday in a Big South Conference baseball matchup that carries significant postseason implications. The Eagles (30-18) face the Panthers (31-17) at George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with rain and 64-degree temperatures in the forecast.

Winthrop enters on a four-game losing streak after being shut out 9-0 at UNC Asheville on Sunday. The Eagles managed only three hits in that defeat. Right-hander Garrett Byrd worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out three without allowing a hit. He has been effective lately, posting a 0.00 ERA across his last two outings covering 4 1/3 innings with four strikeouts.

High Point counters with a team that won 2-1 at UNC Wilmington on Tuesday. The Panthers have won five of their last seven. Closer Justin Silverstein earned the win Tuesday with a perfect inning, striking out three. The right-hander has not allowed an earned run in his last two appearances, spanning 2 1/3 innings with five strikeouts.

The series opener features two teams separated by one game in the standings. High Point holds the edge in overall record and has won four of its last six at home. Winthrop has dropped four straight but took two of three at UNC Asheville last weekend before Sunday’s blowout loss.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 victory for High Point.

Following Friday’s game, the teams meet again Saturday and Sunday before Winthrop visits South Carolina on Tuesday. The Eagles then host Longwood for a three-game series beginning Thursday. High Point travels to UNC Asheville next Thursday.

Byrd and Silverstein are expected to be available out of the bullpen. Both have demonstrated the ability to provide multiple innings in relief, a valuable asset given the rain threat and potential for delays.