Radford Falls In Ninth Inning To 10th-Ranked Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--Radford gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to fall 3-2 to 10th-ranked Virginia in non-conference baseball Tuesday night at Davenport Field. (box score)

RU took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but the Cavs rallied when centerfielder Tim Henry grounded out to shortstop to score pinch runner Mike Mitchell, tying the game at two. Second baseman Kyle Werman, who reached on a single, scored from second on a single by right fielder Matt Street and a fielder error, giving UVa. the win.

The Highlanders (19-19) led for the entire game, scoring two runs in the top of the second inning. After right fielder Matt Mantione was hit by a pitch and left fielder Ryan Ives singled to reach, catcher Dean Altavilla doubled down the left field line to score both Ives and Mantione.

Virginia (35-9) scored one run in the bottom of the inning when catcher Scott Headd hit an RBI single to centerfield to score left fielder Matt Dunn.

Bret Lieberman took the loss for Radford to fall to 2-2 on the year. He allowed two runs on three hits in one inning pitched. Canon Hickman got the win for the Cavaliers to improve to 6-2. He faced one batter, allowing no runs and no hits. RU starter Mark Fleisher went 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and one unearned run while striking out six. UVa. starter Casey Lambert went 8 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on nine hits with five strikeouts.

The loss also marked the end of hitting streaks for Fleisher and second baseman Alan Ashworth. Fleisher, who had hit safely in 21 straight games to tie a Radford record, went 0-for-4 versus Virginia. Ashworth, who had hits in 20 straight games, also was 0-4.

Radford heads to Birmingham-Southern Friday to face the Panthers in a critical Big South series. First pitch is set for 7:00 pm.