HIGH POINT, N.C. – Quincy Latimore launched a two-out solo homer to left in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie and lift the High Point Rockers to a 2-1 lead over Gastonia in front of 2,471 fans at Truist Point.

The Rockers were just 1-11 against Gastonia this season as the Honey Hunters won the Atlantic League’s South Division first half championship and built a solid lead in the second half with a 13-2 start. The Rockers are now 3-12 in the second half.

Latimore’s home run came off Gastonia’s Sam Bordner (L, 9-5).

High Point took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Giovanny Alfonzo drew a walk off Gastonia starter Onas Farfan, moved to second on a single by Ben Aklinski and scored on a single by Zander Wiel.

Gastonia tied the game in the top of the fifth as Joseph Rosa started the frame with a walk off High Point starter Craig Stem. Rosa went to third on a single by Zach Jarrett and scored when Luis Roman grounded out in the infield.

Bryce Hensley (W, 2-2) put the Honey Hunters down in order in the seventh and eighth and earned the win. Ryan Dull struck out two in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.

“Any time you can put the game in the hands of Bryce Hensley and Ryan Dull, you know you’re in good shape,” said Rockers manager Jamie Keefe.  “We had some opportunities early and didn’t capitalize on them. Gastonia has had our number all year and this is the first time they didn’t capitalize on our mistakes.”

High Point and Gastonia will play the second game of this three-game series on Saturday night at Truist Point with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.