Virginia Tech Upends Radford In Ninth

RADFORD, Va. -- Radford committed two errors in the top of the ninth inning, surrendering a one-run lead in falling to Virginia Tech 5-3 Tuesday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. The Hokies scored three unearned runs in the ninth to claim the win. (Box Score)

The win snapped a fine-game losing streak for Tech (7-8) and was the Hokies second consecutive win over RU (5-13). It also marked Radford’s first home loss this season.

The Highlanders broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo home run by first baseman Mark Fleisher, his second of the year, to take a 3-2 lead heading into the ninth.

RU retired the first Hokie batter in the final inning, but gave pinch hitter Jose Rojas a free base by hitting him. Centerfielder Nate Parks then reached on a fielder’s choice when the throw to second to stop pinch runner Jonathan Howlett went wide, allowing Howlett to go to third. An RBI single by first baseman Chris Stanton scored Howlett. A fielder’s choice by designated hitter Billy Marn allowed Parks to score when the Highs were unable to field the ball cleanly and thrown Parks out. Third baseman Bryan Thomas then hit an RBI single that scored Stanton. RU was unable to get a baserunner on in the bottom of the inning, giving Tech the win.

Reliever Casey Hodges (0-2) took the loss for the Highs, allowing two runs (both unearned) in one hitless inning. Starter Josh Deaver went 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. Reliever Matt McGahey (1-0) earned the victory for the Hokies, his first of the year. Nicky Bowers earned his first save of the season for VT.

Radford struck first in the game, scoring one run in the first on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Jesse Ross that scored centerfielder Steve Mignogna. The Hokies countered with a run in the fourth. Catcher Matt Foley singled through the right side, scoring right fielder Jose Cueto.

RU re-took the lead in the bottom of the fourth when designated hitter John Vellines singled up the middle, scoring left fielder Kellen Wohlford. But Virginia Tech tied the game in the next frame when Cueto’s single down the leftfield line scored Parks.

Cueto went 3-for-4 with one RBI and Thomas was 2-for-4 to lead Virginia Tech. Mignogna, Wohlford and Vellines each went 2-for-4 to pace Radford.

The Highlanders open Conference play Friday at home against Winthrop. First pitch will be at 3:00 pm. Tech will also step into League play, hosting ACC in-state rival Virginia at 7:00 pm at English Field.