HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — Justin Ruiz drove in two runs and Landen Johnson hit a solo home run as High Point rallied past Winthrop 9-8 in 10 innings Friday afternoon in a Big South matchup at George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium.

The Eagles jumped to an 8-0 lead through five innings, but the Panthers chipped away. High Point scored once in the fifth, three in the sixth, one in the eighth and two in the ninth to force extras. In the bottom of the 10th, Allen’s sacrifice fly scored Kelly for the walk-off win.

Camden Chalfant earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out one. Mateo Wells started and gave up four hits and one earned run over four innings, fanning four. Dylan Story also threw a scoreless inning.

For Winthrop, Brayden Gilley started and went six innings, allowing no hits but three earned runs with three strikeouts. Cornelius Wouters doubled twice and drove in two runs. Chazz Grossington homered.

Winthrop fell to 30-19 overall; High Point improved to 32-17. The teams meet again Saturday in the second game of the series.