The Elon University baseball team defeated the High Point University Panthers at home Tuesday evening behind two home runs from redshirt junior designated hitter Luke Stephenson. The 5-1 win at Latham Park secured a season sweep of the Panthers.
High Point took an early lead as redshirt sophomore catcher Blake Sutton hit a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing in sophomore Charlie Klingler. The Phoenix then drew level on a second-inning home run from Stephenson. Stephenson also recorded a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Stephenson, who now has a team-high eight home runs this season, said that the two home run game was important for his confidence.
“I was struggling for a little while and so I had to go back, widen my stance, and simplify things,” Stephenson said. “My swing definitely feels the best it has all season.”
Phoenix starting pitcher and redshirt sophomore Cam Seguin pitched 4.2 innings and recorded the win, allowing five hits and one run while striking out four Panthers. Elon then went to the bullpen often to take down the Panthers with four relievers in maroon and gold making appearances.
Sophomore Ben Sieracki replaced Seguin in the fifth and pitched one inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced. Redshirt sophomore Ian Evans pitched the following inning before redshirt sophomore Trevor Kirk came in for 1.1 innings and struck out three. Redshirt junior Kyle Greenler pitched the ninth inning to close out the win, recording his eighth career save.
Elon head coach Mike Kennedy said that it was within the team’s plan to use several pitchers, as he wants his pitchers fresh for the weekend.
“It’s a huge weekend for us. We need to have everybody available and ready to go,” Kennedy said. “The goal was to throw a few guys, give them some work, and make sure they can bounce back by Friday.”
Sophomore Sean Duffy pitched 4.2 innings for High Point. The starter struck out four Elon hitters and allowed nine baserunners, hitting the last two hitters he faced with pitches before making way for freshman Everett Vaughan. Vaughan pitched 2.1 innings and allowed two runs and redshirt sophomore Dylan Decker finished the game.
With the victory, Elon’s win streak versus the Panthers increased to three. Elon last lost to High Point on April 30, 2019 and now leads the all-time series 130-88.
The Phoenix plays host to the College of Charleston this weekend for three games. Charleston leads the Colonial Athletic Association standings and has won six of its last seven games. Kennedy said it will be an important matchup.
“Charleston’s got a couple of conference sweeps already and they’re playing well,” Kennedy said. “We’re gonna have to be ready to go play our best ball come this weekend.”