Walter earns 500th Wake Forest win, Deacons earn nail-biting victory in home-opener

High Point takes the Demon Deacons to the wire, but Wake Forest pulls out first home victory of season

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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It took a late-game pitching change and an escape from ninth-inning loaded basepaths, but the Wake Forest Demon Deacons came away with a milestone victory for Wake Forest Head Coach Tom Walter in their home opener on Tuesday. The Demon Deacons jumped out to an early 5-1 lead, but High Point battled back to make it a one-run game before Wake Forest held on for the win.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for long-time Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter, who earned his 500th win with the program. The Demon Deacons are looking to build momentum after a strong start to the season in Puerto Rico, and this nail-biting home-opening win over a regional rival should provide a boost of confidence.

The details

Wake Forest's offense got rolling early, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to take a 5-1 lead. However, High Point chipped away, scoring a run in the fourth and then three more in the sixth to make it a 5-4 game. The Demon Deacons' bullpen, led by Zach Johnston, was able to hold off the Panthers' late rally and secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Wake Forest had previously played in the 2026 Puerto Rico Challenge in Ponce, Puerto Rico to start the season.

The players

Tom Walter

The head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons baseball team, who earned his 500th win with the program in this game.

Andrew Costello

A Wake Forest outfielder who had two extra-base hits, including a triple that drove in a run and scored another, to help the Demon Deacons secure the victory.

Cameron Bagwell

The Wake Forest starting pitcher who struggled, allowing four runs (three earned) over four innings of work.

Zach Johnston

The Wake Forest relief pitcher who steadied the bullpen and held off High Point's late rally.

Ryan Bosch

The Wake Forest freshman pitcher who came in to record the final out and preserve the Demon Deacons' victory.

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What they’re saying

“[Cameron] Bagwell didn't have great stuff today. I probably made a mistake in pitching him on Saturday in Puerto Rico, but he battled.”

— Tom Walter, Wake Forest Head Coach (si.com)

“Zach Johnston pitched well. ...We're still struggling on the offensive side of the ball, especially with runners on base. I think we were 4-for-20 today with runners on base. That will turn. We're a good offensive club. We're not swinging it great right now, but that will turn soon.”

— Tom Walter, Wake Forest Head Coach (si.com)

“You have to find ways to win those close ones. It wasn't how we drew it up, and it wasn't pretty, but we'll take it.”

— Tom Walter, Wake Forest Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

Walter and the Demon Deacons take on Siena at David Couch Ballpark this weekend, in the first home weekend series of the season.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over a regional rival to open the home schedule is an important early-season milestone for the Demon Deacons, as they look to build momentum under veteran head coach Tom Walter, who earned his 500th win with the program.