Kent Grabs 200th Victory In 9-5 Win Over Davidson

RADFORD, Va.--Radford skipper Lew Kent earned his 200th career victory as a head coach with a 9-5 non-conference win over Davidson Tuesday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. Kent, the winningest coach in Highlander history, is in his 10th year at the helm of RU baseball. The win was the fifth straight for Radford. (Box Score)

Radford pitcher Mark Fleisher (3-1) threw five innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out six to earn the win. He also hit his seventh home run of the season and his sixth in the last four games. Left fielder Ryan Ives also hit a home run for RU. First baseman Kellen Wohlford was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, scoring three runs and two RBI. Ives was 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.

Matt Meade (0-4) took the loss for Davidson. He threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and six runs. Right fielder Sam Navarro led the Wildcats with a 2-for-4 performance.

The Highlanders (14-14) started early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first when Wohlford hit an RBI single through the right side to score second baseman Alan Ashworth. Centerfielder Jesse Ross then hit an RBI single to left, scoring Wohlford.

The Wildcats (12-17) wasted no time responding as third baseman Jay Heafner homered to right field to score designated hitter Alex Entrekin. But the Highlanders would retake the lead on Fleisher’s home run, a three-run shot to left field that scored Wohlford and third baseman and Shaun House.

Another two runs in the bottom of the fourth gave RU a 7-2 lead. Wohlford tripled to right field, scoring Ashworth. An RBI single to third base by House then scored Wohlford. Davidson responded with another run in the top of the fifth on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Eli Benefield that scored catcher Dan Obermeier.

An RBI single by House in the bottom of the sixth inning that plated Ives gave RU that run back. Davidson cut back into the lead in the top of the seventh when centerfielder Andrew Musashe scored on a RBI single to right field by pinch hitter Gregory Zage. Benefield, who reached on a walk, then scored on a wild pitch.

Ives sealed the win with his leadoff homer down the right field line in the bottom of the eighth.

Radford will be back in action tomorrow with a home game against James Madison. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm. Davidson will be at Appalachian State Friday for a three-game Southern Conference series at 4:00 pm.