Feb. 29, 2004
Final Stats
Winston-Salem, N.C. -
Wake Forest head coach George Greer picked up his 700th career victory as the Deacons rallied with a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat High Point, 6-5 on Sunday afternoon at Hooks Stadium.
Trailing 5-4, freshman Matt Antonelli led off the ninth with a perfect bunt single down the third base line. J.B. Tucker followed with a walk on a 3-2 pitch. Brad Scioletti laid down a sacrifice bunt, but High Point reliever Matt Christie's throw to first base sailed high and into the High Point bullpen. Antonelli scored from second base and Tucker scored the game winning run from first, without a throw.
The Deacons (3-3) won their third straight contest game, all at home. For the third time in ten days, High Point (3-7) lost a lead in the ninth inning.
In addition to earning his 700th career victory in Division I, Greer moved into a tie for fourth place on the ACC's all-time coaching win list.
Wake Forest received a very solid starting performance from Justin Keadle. He struck out nine Panthers in 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits. The Deacons led 4-0 when Keadle departed but High Point scored five runs in the seventh inning off Sean Souders and Josh Ellis. A three-run homer by High Point's Chris Ramirez gave the Panthers a temporary 5-4 lead.
Wake Forest freshman reliever Charlie Mellies pitched two innings of perfect relief while the Deacons rallied. He picked up his first collegiate victory.
The Deacons jumped out to a 4-0 lead after five innings. In the third inning, Ben Ingold drilled a two-run double to right field. Wake Forest tacked on single runs in the fourth and fifth on a RBI single by Antonelli and an RBI double by Mathias.
Christie took the loss for High Point dropping to 0-2. Matt Kniginyzsky started for High Point and lasted five innings. He allowed four runs, one earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts and two walks. The Panther defense committed four errors behind their starting pitcher that led to three Deacon runs.
High Point will get a rematch with Wake Forest on Monday afternoon at Hooks Stadium at 2:30 p.m. The Deacons will send sophomore Kyle Young to the mound. The Panthers are expected to start left-hander Mark Shorey. Wake Forest's homestand will continue through Saturday with home games at 2:30 everyday this week except Friday.
