House, Highlanders Handle Liberty

RADFORD, Va.--Radford third baseman Shaun House hit a bases-loaded single in the seventh inning to score three runs and give RU a lead it would not relinquish as the Highlanders topped Big South rival Liberty 6-4 at Dedmon Center Park Saturday afternoon.(Box Score)

The Flames (19-20; 5-9 Big South) led RU 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh. Catcher Dean Altavilla and centerfielder Jesse Ross hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. After second baseman Alan Ashworth hit a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position, shortstop Stuart Ritchie reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Altavilla. A double steal moved Ross and Ritchie up one base, and left fielder Kellen Wohlford was intentionally walked to load the bases. House then singled to left field, scoring Ritchie and Ross. A fielding error that House to reach second also brought Wohlford home.

Cory Koliscak (3-2) picked up the win for the Highlanders. He pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief, allowing four hits and one run. Bret Lieberman was credited with his sixth save of the year, throwing one complete inning, not allowing a baserunner. Radford starter Tom Graham went 6 1/3 innings, allowing six hits, three runs and walking two.

Liberty had the offense early, scoring a run in each the fourth and fifth innings. Third baseman Carlos Garcia, who reached on a walk and stole second base, scored when designated hitter Jeff Brown doubled to right field. Shortstop Ryan Hutchinson hit and RBI single in the fifth to score centerfielder Jeremiah Boles, who reached on a double.

Radford (18-18; 9-5 Big South) tied the game in the bottom of the inning when first baseman Mark Fleisher singled to score Ross, who reached on a single and Altavilla, who led off the inning with a walk.

Liberty scored one run in the top of the seventh and one in the top of the eighth. Michael Garcia doubled down the left field line to lead off the seventh. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Ryan Englehardt and scored when Boles grounded out to the shortstop. Left fielder Phillip Laurent, who reached on a single, scored in the eighth inning on a single by Carlos Garcia.

Ross led RU with a 3-for-5 day. Fleisher and House each went 2-for-4 with Fleisher collecting two RBI and House posting three. Fleisher and Ashworth each extended their hitting streaks. Fleisher has now hit safely in 20 straight games, while Ashworth has a hit in 19 straight.

Liberty reliever Billy Daniels (0-3) took the loss. He threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and two runs. Chris Zuvich got the start for the Flames, pitching 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out five. Carlos Garcia led LU at the plate with a 2-for-2 day. Boles also had two hits, posting a 2-for-5 mark.

The three game series between the long-time Big South rivals will conclude Sunday with a 1:00 pm tilt.