Panthers Face Tough Loss in Game One Against Mercer: High Point University Athletics Recap

MACON, Ga. – The High Point University baseball team faced off against the Mercer Bears on Friday night but lost 7-1 in the first game of their two-game series.

Venue: OrthoGeorgia Park

Final Score: High Point 1, Mercer 7

Team Records: High Point (8-2), Mercer (9-1)

Head Coach Joey Hammond expressed disappointment after the game. He said, “It was a tough loss. Mercer pitched well and played harder than we did. Wade Walton did a great job on the mound, but we missed opportunities to score. We’ll need to bounce back quickly and be ready for tomorrow.”

Starting pitcher Wade Walton had a challenging game but performed admirably. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first inning and went on to pitch 4.2 innings, giving up five hits and two runs while striking out seven batters.

The game was competitive, with both teams focused on pitching for the first four innings. High Point had a couple of chances to score but could not capitalize when it mattered most.

The Bears broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fourth, scoring two runs with consecutive singles to center field. As the game progressed, Mercer’s offense intensified after High Point’s bullpen came in. They expanded their lead with three runs in the sixth inning, thanks to an RBI double and a sacrifice fly. A two-run homer over the right field wall secured their seventh run later in the game.

High Point fought hard until the end, with Jake McCarter hitting a powerful home run to left center, just as the team was facing its last strike, preventing a shutout.

Looking Ahead: The High Point team will face Florida A&M University tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. at OrthoGeorgia Park.

Let’s hope they make a strong comeback!

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