ETSU Stymies Radford Comeback Bid

RADFORD, Va. -- East Tennessee State scored two runs in the top of the ninth to quash a Radford rally and earn a 13-11 non-Conference baseball win Tuesday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. Radford had scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 11. (Box Score)

ETSU centerfielder Stephen Douglas, who led the Bucs with a 5-for-5 performance, hit a double down the left field line in the ninth, scoring right fielder Shane Byrne and pitcher Caleb Moore. Douglas and second baseman Nick Crowe each had three RBI.

The Highlanders committed five errors in the game, allowing three unearned runs. Closer Cory Koliscak (1-1) took the loss, allowing two earned runs on two hits in one inning of work. Caleb Moore earned the win for ETSU, throwing two innings three hits, allowing one unearned run.

ETSU opened the game, scoring five runs in the first two innings on three Radford errors. RU got on the board in the bottom of the second when left fielder Kellen Wohlford scored on a Buc error.

East Tennessee State scored three runs in the top of the third, but Radford responded with three in the bottom half of the inning. First baseman Mark Fleisher singled, scoring right fielder Matt Mantione. Third baseman Aaron Ranft then hit a sac fly that scored centerfielder Steve Mignogna. Second baseman Alan Ashworth then scored on a passed ball.

After the Bucs scored one in the top of the fourth, Radford closed the gap with two runs in the bottom of the inning when Mignogna homered to centerfield, scoring Mantione. ETSU added one run in the fifth, but again RU responded with two in the bottom of the sixth to pull within two. Ashworth hit a solo home run to right center, and then Fleisher, who reached on a single, scored on a triple by Ranft.

Radford rallied in the bottom of the eighth, counteracting one run scored by the Bucs in the top of the inning. Ranft hit a two-out RBI single that scored pinch runner Nachion Moore. Wohlford then singled to right center, scoring Mignogna. Designated hitter John Vellines’ single the scored Ranft, tying the game.

Fleisher was 3-for-4 with one RBI to lead RU. Ranft, Wohlford and Mignogna all went 2-for-4 with Ranft collecting three RBI.

Radford will host in-state rival James Madison Wednesday at 3:00 pm in another non-Conference game.