UNC Asheville Outlasts Highlanders, 4-2

RADFORD, Va.--UNC Asheville score two runs in the eighth inning and held Radford to one hit over the final three innings to earn a 4-2 Big South Conference victory over the Highlanders Sunday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. The Bulldogs improve to 2-1 in League play, 12-13 overall. Radford falls to 4-2 in the Big South, 9-14 overall. (Box Score)

Granville Gehris (2-2) threw eight innings for UNCA to earn the victory. He allowed two runs, one earned, on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Aaron Rembert picked up his first save of the season, closing out the ninth for the Bulldogs with no runs and no hits.

UNC Asheville broke a two-all tie in the top of the eighth when designated hitter Steve Sherman used a lead-off bunt to reach. Left fielder Todd Coggins then reached on an error. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, after which Bret Lieberman replaced Cory Koliscak on the mound for RU. Two more wild pitches allowed both Sherman and Coggins to score, giving UNCA a 4-2 lead.

The Bulldogs had rallied from a 1-0 deficit with two solo home runs in the sixth inning. Third baseman Steve Burnich homered to left field. After David Williams grounded out, Sherman hit a home run to left center field. The Highlanders would tie it up in the bottom of the inning when shortstop Stuart Ritchie led off with a double down the left field line. Second baseman Alan Ashworth, then had a sacrifice bunt which scored Ritchie. Radford’s first run came in the second inning on an RBI single by first baseman Mark Fleisher. Centerfielder Jesse Ross, who reached on a single to left field, scored on the play.

Cory Koliscak (2-1) took the loss for RU, his first of the year. He threw 1 2/3 innings, allowing one hit, two runs, one of which was earned and three walks. He also struck out two batters. Radford starter Tom Graham went four innings, allowing four hits and no runs. Josh Deaver threw 1.1 innings of relief, allowing three runs, two earned, on three hits. Closer Bret Lieberman finished the game for the Highs, striking out five batters and allowing no hits and no runs in two innings.

Ashworth led Radford at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance. Ross also tallied two hits with a 2-for-4 day. The Bulldogs were led by Sherman, who posted a 3-for-4 day with one RBI.

Radford will be at Richmond Tuesday for a single game starting at 2:30 pm. RU defeated the Spider last week at Dedmon Center Park, 11-9. UNCA Asheville will play a single game at home against East Tennessee State at 2:00 pm.