Shefka, Coastal Down Highlander Baseball

CONWAY, S.C. -- Junior Ricky Shefka gave up only one hit in seven innings as the Coastal Carolina baseball team (24-8, 6-1 Big South) defeated Radford (7-21, 2-5 Big South) 13-4 in the opener of a three-game Big South series. (Box Score)

Freshman Nate Toth reached on a throwing error in the second. That was followed by a double from senior Matt Mantione, but Toth was thrown out at home to end the inning. Shefka (6-1) struck out three and allowed just two baserunners.

Junior Mike Costanzo hit his fourth home run of the year in the second with two outs, giving the Chants a 1-0 lead. Sophomore Danny Morgan followed with a triple and came home on a single from junior Michael DeJesus..

The Chants scored seven runs to give Coastal a 9-0 lead. Costanzo and Morgan walked to open the inning. Costanzo scored on a throwing error and Morgan came around on an infield single from junior Aaron Verrett. Sophomore Chris Raber moved the runners over, but DeJesus was thrown out at the plate on a fielder’s choice from junior Mike Fuentes. Verrett came home on a balk, making it 5-0 Coastal. Fuentes scored on a wild pitch and a double from sophomore Dom Duggan brought home senior Jon Foisy. Costanzo brought two more in on a single through the right side.

Coastal added a run in the sixth as Raber drove in DeJesus on an error. Coastal made it 13-0 in the seventh. Raber brought in two on a single and sophomore Josh Eachues brought in Raber on a single to left field.

Radford put up four in the eighth. Junior John Vellines was hit by a pitch, Toth singled and Mantione walked, setting up a grand slam by sophomore Jesse Ross, his first of the season. Senior Byron Binda came in to pitch the final two innings, striking out two and giving up one hit and no runs.

Costanzo was 4-of-5 with three RBI and DeJesus was 2-for-2 with two walks. Raber drove in three for the Chants, who defeated Radford for the ninth straight time.

Senior Mark Fleisher took the loss, giving up six hits and four earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. Six different Highlanders had one hit apiece and Ross drove in four.

Coastal and Radford will play Saturday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at Charles Watson Stadium/Vrooman Field.