Six-run rally sends Radford past CSU

Jeff Kolhagen recorded three hits in the loss.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Radford University overcame an early 4-0 deficit, scoring six runs in the sixth inning to defeat Charleston Southern, 9-5, in Big South Conference action on Friday afternoon at Buccaneer Field.

CSU (14-25, 6-7) exploded four runs in the first inning off of Radford starter Justin Tubb but could muster only one run in the final eight innings. Radford (9-18, 4-8) scored single runs in the second, third and fourth innings before breaking the game open with the decisive sixth inning rally.

Tubb, who went six innings, allowing five runs and 11 hits, earned the victory, improving to 5-0 on the season. Brett Lieberman pitched the final two innings to earn his sixth save.

CSU starter Nino Fasulo allowed just one hit through 5 1/3 innings, but struggled with control, walking four and hitting three others. Brad Bissell (4-8) took the loss, relieving Fasulo in the sixth and allowing four runs on three hits.

CSU out-hit Radford, 14-8, but left 16 runners on base. Every hitter in the lineup had at least one hit for Charleston Southern, led by Jeff Kolhagen's three hits. Jordan Haar, Brad Woods and Billy Dalton each had two safeties, with Dalton belting his first career homerun in the fourth.

For Radford, leadoff hitter Steve Mignogna and Ryan Wetzel each had two hits. Mignogna, Stuart Ritchie and Shawn House each had two RBI for the Highlanders.

Both pitching staffs struggled with control throughout the contest, combining for 11 walks and seven hit batsmen.

The two teams will conclude their Big South Conference series with a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m.