Radford Baseball Pushes Winning Streak To Six

RADFORD, Va.--Justin Tubb pitched six strong innings and second baseman Alan Ashworth went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Radford baseball to its sixth straight win Wednesday with a 5-2 victory over in-state rival James Madison. (Box Score)

The winning streak ties RU’s longest of the year. The Highlanders (15-14) have won 12 of the last 14 games to offset a 3-12 start to the year.

Tubb threw six innings, allowing seven hits but just one run while striking out six batters to earn the victory and even his record at 4-4. Bret Lieberman picked up his fifth save of the year, allowing no baserunners in one inning of work.

JMU starter Ryan Lobban took the loss to fall to 1-1 on the season. Right fielder Mike Butia led James Madison at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance.

Ashworth had three singles, two RBI and two stolen bases to lead the Highlanders. Shortstop Stuart Ritchie was 2-for-3 with one RBI and a triple in the victory.

Ritchie got Radford’s offense started early with a leadoff triple in the bottom of the first inning. Ashworth then single to left field, scoring Ritchie. RU would strike again in the fourth when left fielder Kellen Wohlford doubled down the right field line, stole third, and came home on a wild pitch.

The Dukes tallied their first run in the top of the sixth when second baseman Michael Cowgill scored on an RBI single by third baseman Nate Schill.

Radford responded with three runs in the bottom of the seventh. First baseman Mark Fleisher, who reached on a double to right, scored on an RBI single to centerfield by Ritchie. Ashworth then singled to centerfield, scoring rightfielder Ryan Ives, who had reached on a single. Ritchie would round out RU’s scoring with a scamper home on a wild pitch.

JMU would score once more on a double to rightfield by shortstop Davis Stoneburner that scored Butia, who had also doubled to get on base.

Radford will take a five-day layoff before heading to Blacksburg for a single game on Tuesday against New River Valley rival Virginia Tech. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm. James Madison heads home to host CAA rival Towson on Friday at 3:00 pm.