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The Longwood baseball team used a big eighth inning Sunday to power past Presbyterian in the series finale at Buddy Bolding Stadium. The Lancers (11-13, 2-4 Big South) scored two in the bottom of the eighth thanks to two wild pitches to top the Blue Hose (11-13, 2-1 Big South).

Willie Havens drove in two runs to lead the way for the Longwood offense, and Kevin Warunek closed the door to pick up a crucial conference win.

Breaking down the game

The first inning saw the Blue Hose take an early 1-0 lead in the top half, as they did in every game this weekend.

Willie Havens responded in the bottom half with an RBI single to plate Blagen Pado and tie the score at one apiece. From there, pitching proved to be the strong hold of the day as both teams had their staffs throw well. Brenton Fisher threw four innings for the Lancers, and he struck out five batters. The four innings were a season high.

However, Presbyterian took a 2-1 lead through five and a half innings, but Longwood again answered. After a bunt single from Pado, Havens poked him home with another RBI single.

Presbyterian retook the lead in the top half of the eighth, but the Lancers would not be denied in the bottom half of the frame. After a Pado walk and Hayden Harris single, two wild pitches plated both runners to give Longwood the lead.

Warunek came out for his second inning of work in the ninth and retired the side in order, fanning all three of the Blue Hose batters to give Longwood the win. This marks three straight outings where Warunek hasn’t allowed a run. Warunek (1-0) picked up the win for Longwood, and Christian Charalambous (0-1) earned the loss.

“Big win for our group today,” said Longwood Head Coach Chad Oxendine. “To bounce back after dropping the first two and get one was something we knew we needed to do. We have to continue to improve and grow as a team to put ourselves in a spot to be successful at the end of the year.”.

What’s next for Longwood baseball?

Longwood returns to action Tuesday against Norfolk St. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.