WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State picked up its first win of the season on Wednesday, as Ivan Acuna hit a two-run home run deep over the left center field wall, as the Rams came away with a 5-4 win over Wingate.

WSSU was able to get on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Ivan Acuna hit a sacrifice fly to score John Garcia, and Emilio Abreu doubled to left center, scoring Randy Norris. Randal Ortiz would single to left field, scoring Emilio Abreu, as the Rams tied up the game at 3-3 in the inning.

Ivan Acuna struck the big blow for Winston-Salem State in the bottom of the eighth, as he would come to the plate with two outs, and facing a new Bulldog pitcher, Acuna homered to deep left center field, to give the Rams a 5-3 advantage heading into the final frame.

Wingate did not give in, and was able to plate a run in the ninth on a passed ball, but could not get another, as the Rams would come away with the win.

For WSSU, Randy Norris finished 2 for 5 with two runs scored and Ivan Acuna, went 2 for 4 with a run scored, three runs batted in, including the game-winning two-run home run in the eighth.  Emilio Abreu, also went 2 for 4 with a run scored and one rbi, and Randal Ortiz went 2 for 3 with an rbi.  Brandon Ford went 1 for 3, and Paul Davenport went 1 for 3 and John Garcia went 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Seth Reeves picked up the win for the Rams out of the bullpen, pitching 0.2 allowing one run and striking out one. Corbin Easter got the save, striking out two in the final inning.

Winston-Salem State returns to action on the weekend, as the Rams will host the Concord Mountain Lions at 1:00 and 3:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday to two double headers. WSSU plays its home games at BB&T Ballpark in downtown Winston-Salem.