Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WINSTON-SALEM, NC- The Chowan University baseball team opened CIAA play with a split against Winston-Salem State University on Friday afternoon.  The Rams edged the Hawks 8-7 in the opening series before Chowan recovered to pick up a 4- 1 win in the nightcap. 

In game one, Zach Cooper's groundout to shortstop allowed Tanner Woods to score in the top of the first.  Winston-Salem State responded with four runs off of four hits and one error in the bottom of the second to pull away 4-1. Ivan Acuna's solo homerun in the bottom of the third left the Hawks trailing 5-1.  In the top of the fourth, the Hawks used a bases-loaded walk, two-run single by Woods, and took advantage of a Ram error to score four runs. 

With the score tied 5-5 in the fourth, Michael McNamara's three-run homerun pushed the Rams ahead 8-5.  Chowan mustered two additional runs in the fifth after a Winston-Salem State error and RBI single by Woods but ultimately, it was not enough to overcome the deficit. 

Bobby Mason made the start on the mound for the Hawks and surrendered five runs (four earned) in three innings of work.  Bailey Lipscomb entered the game in-relief and was credited with the loss after giving up three runs (three earned) over two innings of work.  Austin McGhee pitched the final inning for the Hawks in the contest.

Woods ended the game with two hits and three RBI while Cooper added two hits for the Hawks in the setback.   

Hayden O'Neal picked up the win for Winston-Salem State in game one. 

In the nightcap, the Rams struck first in the contest after plating one run off of Lan Steinter's RBI single to left.  Cooper's fielder's choice allowed Connor Arcobasso and Emory Chopp to score for the Hawks in the third, pushing Chowan ahead 2-1.

The Hawks added one run in the sixth after a Ram error and pulled away 4-1 in the seventh using Cooper's RBI single to center field. 

Cody Smith went the distance on the mound in the 4-1 win for the Chowan Blue and White.  He held the Rams to one earned run in seven innings of work while striking out six batters. Nate Steger took the loss on the mound for Winston-Salem State.

Josh Martin paced the Hawks at the plate with two hits in game two. 

The Hawks and Rams return to action on Saturday in a doubleheader match-up.  First pitch is slated for 1:00pm at McCrary Park in Asheboro, North Carolina.