Radford edges CSU in baseball, 4-3

Brian Sole had two hits for Bucs

RADFORD, Va.—Radford catcher Dean Altavilla hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to give the Highlanders a 4-3 Big South Conference win over Charleston Southern Friday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. The win assures RU that it will be at least a fifth seed in next week’s Big South Conference Tournament in Rock Hill, S.C.

Designated hitter John Vellines doubled to start the Highlander sixth. Right fielder Ryan Ives then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Vellines to third. Altavilla’s one-out single scored Vellines to give RU a 4-3 lead. Radford relievers Robby Bursey and Cory Koliscak held the Bucs hitless over the final three innings to give the Highs the victory.

Radford starter Tom Graham (2-2) earned the win, throwing six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out three. Koliscak picked up his second save of the year, closing out the ninth for RU. Charleston Southern reliever Brad Bissell (4-9) took the loss. He threw four innings, allowing two hits and one run. Bucs’ ace R.J. Swindle started the game, giving up nine hits and three runs while striking out six.

The Highlanders took a first-inning lead when centerfielder Jesse Ross tripled to lead off in the first. Second baseman Alan Ashworth hit a sacrifice fly to score Ross. Third baseman Shaun House gave RU a 2-0 lead with a double to right field that scored shortstop Stuart Ritchie, who reached on a double. Radford added a third run in the second inning. Ives, who reached on a bunt and advanced to second on a throwing error, was plated when Altavilla singled to left field.

The Buccaneers got all three runs back in the top of the sixth. Second baseman Marcos Arias led of the inning with a single through the right side. After he stole second, shortstop Billy Dalton doubled down the left field line to score Arias. Third baseman Brad Woods followed with his eighth home run of the season to tie the game at three, opening the door for Altavilla’s heroics.

Ross led the Highs with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. House and Altavilla each were 2-for-4, with House collecting one RBI and Altavilla picking up two. CSU left fielder Brian Sole led the Buccaneers with a 2-for-4 performance. Woods also had two RBI.

Radford, who improves to 22-27 overall, 13-9 in Big South play, can still finish as high as third in the Big South Conference race. Charleston Southern (23-31, 10-12 Big South) can only finish in fifth or sixth place, depending on the outcome of the remaining games in this series, as well as other League series.

Radford and Charleston Southern will tangle Saturday in game two of the three-game series. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm. The series is the last regular-season set for both teams.