RADFORD, Va. - - Radford University scored two unearned runs in the fifth inning to break open a 3-3 game and salvage a Big South Conference doubleheader split with Charleston Southern Saturday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. CSU (11-21, 4-2 BSC) took the opening game 4-3 while RU won the second game 5-4. (Game 1 Box Score) (Game 2 Box Score)
In the second game Kellan Wohlford sprinted home on pitch that scooted away from CSU catcher to beat the tag, giving RU a 4-3 lead in the fifth. Radford (9-13, 1-2 BSC) would add an insurance run moments later on an RBI groundout by Keith Brunst, which would turn out to be the winning run.
Earning his first career victory in relief of starter Dave Eddinger was Mark Fliesher. Fliesher struck out two while scattering four hits in 2.1 innings. Eddinger found himself in trouble all afternoon however managed to allow four runs, three of which came in the fifth, on nine hits.
Matt Mantione led the Highlander offence in game two with two hits in three trips. Mike Tarbox added a double for RU.
In game one, RU wasted a quality start from Cory Koliscak. The freshman held Charleston Southern scoreless through six innings only to yield two runs in the seventh and two in the eighth to fall to 1-3 on the season.
Koliscak’s effort was matched by Charleston Southern starter Swindle who tossed 7.1 innings, allowing eight hits and three runs to in improving to 2-5 on the year.
Scott Thacker led the Buccaneer attack in game one with a pair of hits in four trips. Jeff Kolhaugen’s pinch-hit single in the eighth scoring two, was the decisive blow for CSU. Nat Hodges, Shaun House and Jerry Fulton each added a pair of hits for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders will be off for Easter tomorrow, before jumping back into action on April 1 at 3:00 p.m. against cross-town rival Virginia Tech in a make-up game from last week’s rain-out.
