Radford Bounces New River Valley Rival Virginia Tech

RADFORD, Va.--Radford University pounded out 12 hits and held Virginia Tech to just three hits en route to a 5-2 non-conference baseball win Tuesday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. (Box Score)

The win is the first for RU over Virginia Tech since 2000 when the Highlanders beat the Hokies 7-6 at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va. It also marked Radford’s sixth straight non-conference win and snapped a six-game winning streak by Virginia Tech. The Highs have now won seven of their last 10 games and 13 of their last 18.

Mark Fleischer (4-1) picked up his fourth win of the season with a brilliant three-hitter. He held the Hokies to just one hit through the first six innings of play. He allowed two runs, both unearned, and walked three while striking out six. Fleisher also hit his eighth home run of the season, marking his second consecutive start where he hit a home run and picked up the win.

Cory Koliscak came on in relief of Fleisher to pick up his first save of the season. He threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing no baserunners.

The Highlanders jumped on Hokie starter Andrew Wells early in the first when first baseman Kellen Wohlford led off with a single to right field. Two batters later, shortstop Stuart Ritchie ripped his third homer of the year, a two-run shot, over the right field fence. Center fielder Jesse Ross followed with a triple to right center, scoring Fleisher, who reached on a single. Right fielder Matt Mantione then blooped an RBI-single to right center to score Ross. RU extended its lead to five on Fleisher’s home run in the fifth inning.

Tech tallied two runs in the top of the seventh catcher Jed English hit a two-out single to right field, advanced to third on an error that allowed designated hitter Wyatt Toregas to reach first, and then scored on a passed ball. A single by right fielder Matt Kalish then scored Toregas.

Wells (3-6) took the loss for the Hokies. He allowed four runs on seven hits in 1 1/3 innings of work. He also struck out one batter.

Radford was led by Fleisher and Ross, who each tallied two hits. Ritchie posted two RBI in the effort as well. Both Fleisher and second baseman Alan Ashworth extended their hitting streaks to 17 and 16 games respectively.

Virginia Tech was led at the plate by English, Kalish and second baseman Tom Blaszak, who each had one hit. Kalish hat the Hokies’ only RBI.

RU will head to Harrisonburg to face James Madison Wednesday at 3:00 pm. The Highlanders return home Friday for a crucial three-game series versus Big South rival Liberty. The Hokies will face Virginia Tech Wednesday at 7:00 pm.