Winthrop closes series with loss to Hornets

The Hornets overcame an Anthony Paulson three-run homer and rallied for two runs behind four hits in the ninth for the 11-10 walk-off win over Winthrop to close Game 3 of a series on Sunday.

The Eagles (5-3) will conclude their road trip with a mid-week game at the University of North Carolina Wednesday at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Winthrop left-handed starter Zach Sightler went 3.1 innings with three strikeouts. Freddie Sultan provided solid relief going 3.2 innings compiling four strikeouts. Thad Harris was credited with the loss (0-1).

The Eagles grabbed the early 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Anthony Paulsen made his way around the bases. He doubled before advancing to third and scoring on two wild pitches.

The Hornets responded with a run of their own when Yamil Pagan stole home in the inning to even the score.

The Eagles seized the lead once again in the third when Roger Gonzalez reached on an Alabama State error with the bases loaded sending Brandon Fite home. However, the Hornets responded with two hits and two runs to take a 3-2 lead.

Winthrop battled back with a five-run fourth inning behind six hits, one of which was a Paulsen three-run homer. Alabama State evened the score once again at 7-7 when they added four runs and a homer in the bottom of the fourth.

Defense held solid until the eighth when the Eagles went out to a 9-7 lead thanks to a Babe Thomas’ two-run RBI single. The Hornets quickly came back when Carlos Ocasio hit his second two-run homer of the game in the inning.

Winthrop added a run to take the lead in the ninth when Mitch Spires scored on a sacrifice fly from Kyle Edwards. But Alabama State rallied for the win.

Paulsen finished the day by going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs. Spires (3-for-5) scored two runs.

This story was originally published February 28, 2016 at 7:47 PM with the headline "Winthrop closes series with loss to Hornets."