ROCK HILL, S.C. (Interstat) — The Winthrop Eagles used a four-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Jaylen Hernandez, to break open a tied game and defeat the Maine Black Bears 7-2 on Saturday afternoon and evening at Winthrop Ballpark.

The victory improved Winthrop’s record to 8-2 this season, while Maine fell to 2-9.

The game’s pivotal shift came in the bottom of the sixth inning with the score knotted at 2-2. After Maine starter Jason Krieger had held the Eagles hitless through five and one-third innings, Winthrop’s offense erupted. Wilson singled and Hernandez followed by launching a two-run homer to deep right field, giving the Eagles a 4-2 lead and chasing Krieger from the game.

Krieger was charged with five earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and walking five. The Winthrop rally continued against the Maine bullpen, adding another run on a sacrifice fly from Bowling to extend the lead to 5-2.

Winthrop secured the win with two more runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded and a Maine fielding error.

The Eagles’ pitching staff, led by starter Luke Earnhardt, effectively contained the Maine offense after a brief stumble. Earnhardt, the top star for Winthrop, pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out five. The Black Bears touched him for both of their runs in the fourth inning when Troy Carpenter hit a two-run double to right center, scoring Stevens and Rosa.

Following Earnhardt, the Winthrop bullpen was dominant. Colby McNeely, Dylan Hansen and Walker Brodt combined for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, surrendering only four hits and striking out four. McNeely earned the win for his two perfect innings of work with three strikeouts.

Maine managed eight hits, matching Winthrop’s total, but stranded multiple runners and hit into a key double play in the seventh inning to squander a scoring chance. Carpenter’s two RBIs accounted for all of Maine’s scoring.

The most important part of the game was Hernandez’s two-run homer in the sixth. It transformed a tense, tied contest and provided the Eagles with a lead their bullpen would not relinquish. The hit also marked the end of Krieger’s otherwise effective outing and ignited the decisive offensive surge for Winthrop.

The game began under afternoon sun and concluded under evening lights. Winthrop struck first in the opening inning without a hit, scoring on a wild pitch and a Maine throwing error. Maine answered in the fourth to tie it before the Eagles’ sixth-inning breakout.

The teams will conclude their three-game series on Sunday. Maine will travel to Dayton next weekend, while Winthrop is set to visit Auburn.