Hartsville, S.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs scored a combined eight runs in the fifth and sixth innings Friday afternoon, erasing a 4-0 deficit to secure a 12-5 victory at Coker College in South Atlantic Conference baseball action. Wingate improves to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the SAC, while the Cobras fall to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference.

Senior outfielder Thomas Spitz (West Chester, Pa.) went three-for-four with a triple, homer, four RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wingate offense. Sophomore outfielder Colby Barnette (Monroe, N.C.) added a double, four RBI and two runs scored, while sophomore infielder Shane Billings (Kernersville, N.C.) had four hits including a triple, driving in three runs and scoring three times. Senior catcher Josh Clark (Clemmons, N.C.) had three hits and an RBI for the Bulldogs, while Bill Krebs (West Chester, Pa.) and Michael Godinez (Cutler Bay, Fla.) each had two hits and two runs scored.

Sammy Song had a double, RBI and two runs scored to lead the Coker attack. Tyler Osik drove in a pair of runs, while Will Winslow had an RBI and a run scored for the Cobras.

Coker jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, starting with an RBI double from Song. He would then score on Osik's RBI groundout to make it 2-0.

A hit and two walks loaded the bases in the third, while sacrifice flies from Osik and Winslow gave the Cobras a 4-0 advantage.

Wingate got on the board in the fifth, scoring three times to cut the lead to one. Barnette's RBI single to plate Billings started the rally, while Spitz followed with an RBI triple. A sacrifice fly from Clark made it 4-3.

The Bulldogs plated five more runs in the sixth to take the lead. Krebs, Godinez and Billings started the inning with three straight singles to load the bases. Barnette would then clear the bases with a three-run double, while Spitz followed with his league-best fourth homer of the year, a two-run shot to put the 'Dogs on top 8-4.

Coker cut the lead to three in the bottom of the frame when Winslow doubled, then scored on a sacrifice fly from Anthony Scaccia to make it 8-5.

Wingate scored four more runs in the top of the ninth to push the advantage to seven. A walk, followed by singles from Krebs and Godinez loaded the bases. Billings then ripped a triple down the left field line, clearing the bases to make it 11-5. Spitz added a sacrifice fly to make the final margin 12-5.

Redshirt freshman right-hander Hunter Hamilton (Troy, N.C.) got the win in relief, moving to 1-0 on the year. He allowed a run on four hits in six innings of work, striking out three. Forrest Arnold took the loss, falling to 1-2. He allowed five runs on 10 hits in five innings of work, striking out five and walking one.

The two teams are back in action Saturday, meeting for a doubleheader at Coker at 12 p.m.