SHELBY, N.C. (Interstat) — Winthrop defeated Gardner-Webb 9-7 on Saturday, April 25, at John Henry Moss Stadium in a Big South matinee that stretched into the evening. The Eagles improved to 28-15 overall, while the Runnin Bulldogs fell to 19-24.

Winthrop erupted for four unearned runs in the first inning, highlighted by Benhardt’s RBI single and Grossington’s two-run double. Crowley added a two-run homer in the third and a sacrifice fly in the sixth. The Eagles led 9-1 after six innings.

Gardner-Webb mounted a comeback. Merik Carter drove in three runs, including a two-run single in the sixth and a sacrifice fly in the seventh. Drew Ripepi doubled in two runs in the seventh, and Kelvin Agosto and Daniel Smith each had an RBI. The Runnin Bulldogs tallied 11 hits.

Jerek Hobb pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief for Gardner-Webb, allowing two earned runs. Colby Putnam threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Winthrop’s pitching held on for the win, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series after Friday’s 3-0 loss.