VMI Deafeats Radford In Rain-Suspended Game

RADFORD, Va. -- VMI scored three runs in both the fourth and seventh innings to defeat Radford 6-0 in a Big South Conference game at Dedmon Center Park Saturday afternoon. The game was resumed Saturday after heavy rains forced the game, which began Friday at 4:00 pm, to be suspended. (Box Score)

The game was suspended with VMI leading the game 5-0 in the top of the seventh inning. Centerfielder B.T. Good was at bat with a 0-1 count and two outs, with first baseman Robert Crumpler on third base when play was stopped.

The win set a school record for victories in a season for VMI, who improved to 26-25 overall and 10-12 in the Big South. Radford fell to 13-37 overall and 7-15 in the Big South.

Mark Fleisher (4-8) took the loss, throwing six innings and allowing four runs on six hits. Jimmy Thoms (6-5) pitched a shutout, allowing four hits in six innings pitched to pick up the win for VMI.

The Keydets scored three runs in the top of the fourth. Good doubled to centerfield with one out, scoring Crumpler, who reached on a walk. Right fielder Elliot Erbe followed with a single to left field that scored left fielder Jacoby Fields. Catcher Chase Buchanan then singled through the left side to score Erbe.

VMI tallied three more in the seventh, pushing two across on a Crumpler double to left center that scored third baseman Kelly Sweppenhiser and designated hitter Thane Smith. Following the suspension, Erbe doubled down the left field line to score Crumpler.

Mignogna was 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Radford. Shortstop Matt Smith, Crumpler and Erbe each had two hits for VMI, with Crumpler and Erbe collecting two RBI apiece.

The teams will play game two of the three-game series beginning at approximately 2:15 today. That game was originally scheduled to start at 1:00 pm.