March 14, 2001

BLACKSBURG, Va. - High Point University struck for eight runs in the fifth inning on its way to a 10-7 baseball victory over Virginia Tech at English Field on Wednesday. The loss dropped Tech to 7-8 on the season, while HPU improved to 7-13 with the win.

High Point sent 11 batters to the plate in the decisive fifth inning, collecting six of its 11 hits and taking advantage of three base on balls. The inning was highlighted by center fielder John Cavanaugh's two-run double and a two-run single off the bat of right fielder Andy Harney. Cavanaugh also produced the Panthers' first run of the game with a solo home run in the first inning. Shortstop Kirk Harris added an insurance run with a homer in the eighth.

Tech enjoyed a 4-1 advantage after four innings thanks to a four-run second inning that included a solo home run by third baseman Addison Bowman (Dayton, Va.) and a three-run homer by second baseman Marc Tugwell (Springfield, Va.). After falling behind, 9-4, the Hokies got a two-run homer from first baseman John West (Thurmont, Md.) in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to three runs.

The Hokies scored another run in the bottom of the ninth on left fielder Christian Simmers' single, but the Panthers stopped the threat by turning a game-ending double-play with the bases loaded.

High Point starting pitcher Kevin Burch worked five innings to gain the victory, his fourth against three losses. The loss was the first decision of the season for Tech starter Seth Bandy (Pembroke, Va.), who pitched into the fifth inning.

Michael Loman led the Panthers with three hits in five at bats. Cavanaugh, Harney and Harris combined for seven of High Point's 10 RBIs. Tugwell topped Tech with three hits and three RBIs.

HP	100 080 010  -  10   11    1
VT	040 002 001  -   7   13    1

Burch, White (6), Bodenheimer (7), Brennan (9) and Hoffman. Bandy, Crisci (5), Miller (5), Pinkman (9) and English. W- Burch (4-3) L- Bandy (0-1) HRs- Cavanaugh (HP) 1st, none on; Bowman (VT) 2nd, none on; Tugwell (VT) 2nd, two on; West (VT) 6th, one on; Harris (HP) 8th, none on.