Asheville Rocks RU Pitching in Sweep

RADFORD, Va. – UNC-Asheville hit four homeruns and scored a combined 24 runs on 23 hits in defeating the Radford University baseball team, 10-3 and 14-3, in a double header Saturday afternoon in Big South Conference action from Dedmon Center Park. (box score game 1) (box score game 2)

The Bulldogs improve to 17-19 overall and 6-8 in the BSC. The losses drop the Highlanders to 15-24 overall and 5-9 in the Big South.

In the first game, Radford held a 3-2 lead heading into the fourth, but the Bulldogs managed to score four runs in the fourth, as Nick Jaska and Matt Roberts each had RBI singles. Jaska later scored as RU starter David Light walked Bill Carley with the bases loaded and a passed ball allowed Roberts to score to give Asheville the 6-3 lead.

The Bulldogs scored single runs in the sixth and eighth innings, as well as two in the seventh.

Asheville starter Mark Shuurman (4-3) scattered 10 hits over 7.2 innings to pick up the victory. Light (2-2) picked up the loss pitching 5.0 innings, allowing three earned runs, while striking out five.

Matt Mantione led the Highlanders offensively in game one, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a homerun. Roberts went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored in leading the Bulldogs.

In the nightcap, Asheville cruised to the 14-3 victory, courtesy of a nine-run fourth inning highlighted by a solo homerun from catcher Denver Edick and a grand slam from Carley.

Asheville was able to score two more runs in the fifth, as Israel Victor hit a solo homerun and Roberts had an RBI groundout to make the score 11-2.

The Highlanders scored single runs in the third, fourth, and sixth innings. Keith Brunst hit his fifth homerun of the season in the sixth.

RU starter Cory Kolisack (3-5) was roughed up, allowing 11 runs, five earned, while lasting only 4.1 innings. Brad Beck (2-4) picked up the victory, pitching a complete game, while notching three strikeouts.

Carley led the Bulldogs in game two, going 3-for-5 with a grand slam.

Mantione went 4-for-5 in the two games with two RBIs and a homerun. Jaska led Asheville going 4-for-8 in the two games with three RBIs and three runs scored.

The two teams wrap up the three game series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 pm at Dedmon Center Park.