Liberty Longball Beats Baseball

LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Liberty had seven extra-base hits, including four home runs to defeat Radford 11-4 Sunday in a Big South Conference baseball game at Worthington Stadium. (Box Score)

Second baseman Michael Just hit two of LU's home runs in his first two at bats. Just finished 3-for-4 on the day, also collecting a double. First baseman Aaron Grijalva also had three hits for the Flames. Centerfielder P.K. Keller had three RBI.

The teams traded runs through the first two innings, with Just hitting a lead-off home run in the first for the Flames. Radford responded in the second with two runs, scoring on a ground out by centerfielder Steve Mignogna. Designated hitter Jonathan Spears then crossed the plate on a throwing error by the Liberty pitcher.

LU tied it with one run in the bottom of the second, scoring on sacrifice bunt by shortstop Patrick Gaillard that scored Keller.

After Radford was held scoreless in the top of the third, Just led off the Liberty third with another solo shot. Grijalva followed with a double to left. Designated hitter Jeff Brown then hit a double that scored Grijalva. Keller followed with a homer to centerfield to clear the bases and tally two more runs. Third baseman Chad Miller, who reached on an error, scored on a sacrifice bunt by Gaillard.

Radford tallied one run in the fourth when a ground out by shortstop Ben Toth pushed across right fielder Matt Mantione. Liberty extended its lead with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning by Grijalva. Keller grounded out late in the inning to score left fielder Phillip Laurent and give the Flames a 9-3 lead.

Radford would score one more on a solo home run in the fifth by second baseman Alan Ashworth. LU tallied its final two runs in the sixth when Laurent’s double to left center scored Grijalva and Just.

Todd Mittauer (3-1) earned the win for throwing six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits. Justin Tubb (3-6) took the loss, throwing four innings, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits.

Ashworth and left fielder Kellen Wohlford led RU with two hits apiece.

Radford will play its final non-Conference road game Tuesday at Davidson at 2:00 pm. Liberty will host Richmond Tuesday at 2:00 pm.