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HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point pitching struck out 12, and the Panthers defeated visiting No. 27 Campbell 9-2 Friday in Big South Conference play at Williard Stadium.
HPU moved to 9-10 overall and picked up the win in its Big South opener. Campbell dipped to 18-4 overall, and 3-1 in Big South play, taking its first conference loss and first road defeat of 2015.
John McGillicuddy (2-3) struck out eight in seven innings without a walk, allowing two runs, one earned, on six hits. Andre Scrubb tossed two scoreless in relief, striking out four.
Campbell starter Heath Bowers (4-1) went 2 1/3 innings with six runs, all earned, on eight hits, striking out two and walking three, taking his first loss of the season.
Travis Long pitched 3 2/3 in relief, allowing two runs on four hits with four punchouts, while Sam Rector worked the final two stanzas, surrendering a run on four hits.
Cole Hallum highlighted Campbell's efforts at the plate with a two-run home run in the top of the second, giving the Camels an early 2-0 lead. The homer was Hallum's fifth in seven games, and team-best sixth this season.
HPU answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning, starting the frame with four straight hits, and added three more to take a 6-2 lead in the third.
The Panthers added runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth to take the series opener 9-2.
Campbell's leadoff man reached in four of its first six innings.
Dane McDermott went 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI to pace High Point, while Josh Greene and Brady Williamson tacked on three hits apiece.
Campbell's Cedric Mullins extended his team-best hitting streak to 15 games, going 3-for-4 on the night. Hallum went 2-for-4, knocking in two.
The Big South series continues Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Camels will make a trip to Charleston, S.C. on Wednesday, March 25, for a rematch with the College of Charleston. Campbell returns home for the weekend, hosting Radford in a Big South series.
