Duke's Six Run Sixth Inning Sinks Highlanders, 8-6 in Baseball

DURHAM, N.C. -- Radford University (1-3) received five strong innings from starter David Light, however Duke (6-3) posted a six run sixth inning off freshman reliever Mark Fliesher to capture game one of the three game weekend series, 8-6, Friday afternoon at Jack Combs Field. (Box Score)

Radford got on the board first with a three-run fourth inning. The Highlanders took advantage of four base hits and one stolen base to take a 3-0 lead.

The Blue Devils cut into the lead with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth. With runners on second and third and two out, sophomore second baseman Bryan Smith hit a bloop single to left-center field, plating Drew Jerdan and Troy Caradonna.

Radford increased its lead in the sixth inning when right fielder Kellen Wohlford scored his second run of the game after hitting a single and stealing second base. He scored on a base hit by Highlander third baseman Matt Mantione. But Blue Devil RHP Justin Dilucchio, who relieved freshman starter Paul DeMarco with one out and two on, got catcher Shaun House to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The Blue Devils then rallied with six runs to take an 8-4 lead. Caradonna greeted Radford reliever Mark Fliesher with a lead-off single to left field. Duke senior Kevin Kelly smacked a double to center field, advancing Caradonna to third and sophomore Bryan Smith walked to load the bases. Freshman left fielder Tim Layden hit a ground ball to second base, scoring a run, and was safe on a fielder's choice. Highlander second baseman Alan Ashworth threw to second base but missed the out and a second Blue Devil run scored as the ball got past shortstop Daryl Douglass.

Brian Patrick knocked in Duke's third run of the inning with a bunt single. Freshman Mike Miello reached on a fielder's choice, advancing Layden, who scored on error. Freshman Aaron Kempster sent the Blue Devils' fifth run of the inning across the plate with an RBI triple to right-center. He scored on a ground out by Larry Broadway.

Radford tallied two more runs in the eighth inning with consecutive hitsvby Mike Tarbox, Mantione and House, but fell short, 8-6.

Light threw five complete innings allowing just a pair of Blue Devil earned runs, on six hits, while striking out seven and walking one. Fliesher (0-1), who allowed all six of his runs, all earned, in the sixth inning, threw three innings, to receive the loss.

Matt Mantione went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI to lead the Highlander attack. Junior transfer Mike Tarbox collected three hits in as many at-bats, while Keith Brunst and Kellan Wolford each added two hits apiece in the 15 hit attack.

The series continues tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude with a noon game on Sunday.