Crumpler’s Ninth-Inning Single Sinks Radford

RADFORD, Va. -- VMI first baseman Robert Crumpler drove home three RBI, including the ninth-inning game-winner to lead the Keydets past Radford 5-4 in a Big South Conference baseball game Saturday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park.(Box Score)

Crumpler, who was 3-for-5 on the day, hit a two-out single in the top of the ninth that scored shortstop Matt Smith, who reached on a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and moved to third on a wild pitch.

The loss drops Radford to 13-38 overall and 7-16 in the Big South. VMI improves to 27-25, 11-12 in Conference play. The Highlanders need a win in Sunday's regular season finale along with a Charleston Southern loss to Liberty on Sunday to secure a berth to the Big South Conference Tournament, which begins Wednesday in Conway, S.C.

Jeff DeMara (6-2) earned the win for the Keydets, throwing two innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. Reliever Cory Koliscak (1-2) took the loss for Radford, surrendering one run on three hits while striking out three. RU starter Justin Tubb gave up four runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched.

VMI scored the first run of the game in the top of the first when Crumpler hit an RBI-single that scored Smith.

Radford evened the score in the fifth when right fielder Matt Mantione singled to left, driving in designated hitter John Vellines. The Highlanders took the lead in the following inning with a five-hit three-run performance. Third baseman Jesse Ross reached on a bunt that scored left fielder Kellen Wohlford, who led off the inning with a triple. A walk and a single loaded the bases, allowing centerfielder Steve Mignogna to hit an RBI single to score Ross. Catcher Nachion Moore then singled, scoring shortstop David Landman, giving Radford a 4-1 lead.

VMI evened the score with three in the seventh. Smith singled to left field with tow runners on to score second baseman Shane Geisslinger. Crumpler then singled to third base, scoring catcher Chase Buchanan. Pinch hitter Jacoby Fields was walked with the bases loaded, allowing Smith to score the tying run.

Wohlford and Ross were each 3-for-5 to lead the Highlanders at the plate.

The teams will close the three-game series Sunday at 1:00 pm in the regular season finale for both teams.