FIRST PITCH
Score: Winthrop 8 | Queens 4
Records: Winthrop (12-14 overall, 2-4 Big South) | | Queens (4-20 overall, 1-5 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (The "Stick" Williams Fields)
 
The Short Story: In the first meeting between Queens and Winthrop, the visiting Eagles used a late scoring burst to grab the opener by a final score of 8-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

-Winthrop would crack the scoring column first in the top of the second inning as they capitalized on a hit and one Royals error.

-The visiting Eagles would add another run in the fourth inning following back-to-back doubles to open the inning.

-Queens would answer in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs on two hits and one Eagles error. JD Coleman led off the inning with a sharp single into center field. After consecutive outs, Riley Cheek would reach on an error by the shortstop before Zach Weston walked to load the bases. Sophomore Will Budnick delivered with a three RBI double into right-center to give the Royals their first lead of the game at 3-2.

-Winthrop would add a run in the top of the sixth inning to even the score as they capitalized on four straight walks by the Royals staff.

-The Eagles would capitalize in the top of the eighth inning with four runs on four hits to extend their lead to 7-4.

-Winthrop would add a run in the ninth inning with a one-out RBI ground out.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Making his first career start on the bump, Blake Efird tossed a career-high 5.1 innings while surrendering three runs on three hits and fanning four Eagles.

-Nick Brassington, JD Coleman, and Nick Melton led the Royals offense with multi-hit performances.

-Will Budnick finished the evening 1-for-2 with a double and three RBIs. The three runs batted in marked the second time this season which Budnick has driven in three runs in a game.

-Tyler Peters, Andrew McDermott, and Connor Manco added a base hit on the night. Peters has reached base safely in six consecutive games as he has found a groove at the dish.

-The Royals rattled off double-digit hits for the ninth game this season. Queens has posted 10 or more base knocks in three of the last five games.

-Despite getting traffic on the base paths, Queens went 2-for-11 at the plate with runners in scoring position.

NEXT UP
The Royals will turn around and welcome Appalachian State University on Wednesday, March 29^th at Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN Plus. Fans can secure their tickets online by visiting the Queens Athletics website.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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