Late Scoring Propels Coastal Carolina Past Radford

RADFORD, Va.--Coastal Carolina scored three runs in both the eighth and ninth innings to defeat Radford 6-1 in a defensive Big South Conference baseball game Saturday at Dedmon Center Park. (Box Score)

Coastal Carolina starter Jake Hurry (4-0) pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and one unearned run. He struck out 12 batters in the effort and issued one walk to get the win. Byron Binda picked up his fifth save of the year, throwing 1 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five.

Cory Koliscak (2-2) took the loss in relief for RU. He threw two complete innings, allowing five hits, two runs and two walks. Starter Justin Morgan went 5 1/3 innings, allowing no runs on five hits while striking out three and walking two. Bret Lieberman closed out the effort for Radford, allowing four runs on four hits while walking three.

CCU broken open a scoreless game in the eighth when right fielder Jon Foisy was walked with the bases loaded, scoring designated hitter Mike Costanzo. Catcher Chad Oxendine followed with a single to third base that scored left fielder Chris Raber and third baseman Derek Martin.

Radford retaliated with a run in the bottom of the eighth when shortstop Stuart Ritchie doubled to advance left fielder Kellen Wohlford to third. An error on the relay throw from shortstop allowed Wohlford to score.

Coastal Carolina picked up three insurance runs in the top of the ninth to seal the victory. Shortstop Brett Grandstrand homered to left field. First baseman Brett Gordon hit an RBI double to right field, scoring Costanzo. Raber, who reached third on Gordon’s double, scored on an error at second on the relay throw.

The Highlanders had turned away two Coastal threats in the sixth and seventh with inning-ending double plays. Both teams had chances to take early leads, as Coastal Carolina stranded 11 runners and the Highlanders left eight on base.

Alan Ashworth and Stuart Ritchie each went 3-for-4 to lead Radford at the plate. Centerfielder Jesse Ross had to hits for RU. Oxendine, Raber and Gordon each went 2-for-4 for the Chanticleers. Oxendine had two RBI and Gordon had one. Second baseman Michael DeJesus went 2-for-5 for CCU.

The two teams will close out the three-game series Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.