Winthrop 26, Furman 7

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Anthony Paulsen and John Menken both homered twice and combined to drive in 13 runs to lead heavy-hitting Winthrop to a 26-7 victory over Furman in rare Monday afternoon baseball action at Latham Stadium.

Paulsen belted a two-run home run in the first inning and followed with a three-run clout in his next at bat, in the second inning, to help Winthrop (21-12) race to an early 8-1 lead against Furman starting pitcher Billy Greenfield (0-4), who was tagged for all eight runs in only 1 1/3 innings.

Menken, meanwhile, doubled twice, singled, belted a grand slam in an eight-run sixth inning, and hit a solo run in the ninth to complete a 5-for-5, five-run, six-RBI performance.

Kyle Edwards also had five hits, going 5-for-6 and with four RBIs and three runs scored.

Winthrop lit up Furman pitching for 22 hits and was the recipient of 12 bases on balls.

Paulsen’s first inning home run cleared the 395’ sign in dead center field, and his three-run, line drive clout in the second inning stayed just fair of the foul pole down the right-field line.

The Eagles led 8-4 after five frames before blowing the game open with an eight-run sixth, capped by Menken’s grand slam to right field off Paladin reliever Ryan Morse.

Furman registered 10 hits in the contest, led by Chris Ohmstede and Jordan Simpson with two hits apiece.

Winthrop starter Joey Strain (3-2) earned the win, allowing a run on five hits over four innings.

The Paladins play at USC Upstate on Tuesday.