Radford Earns Extra-Inning Win Over Fordham

RADFORD, Va.--Radford University catcher Dean Altavilla hit a two-out 10th inning single to score centerfielder Scott Gvozdas and lift the Highlanders over visiting Fordham 4-3 Sunday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. (Box Score)

Gvozdas, who lead off for RU in the bottom of the 10th, reached on a walk. A pair of ground outs left the Highs with Gvozdas on third with two outs when Altavilla connected on his only hit of the game.

Radford (3-11) led for most of the game, scoring one run in the first inning when shortstop Stuart Ritchie scored on an error by Fordham (4-7) third baseman Jordan Lert. RU scored again in the fifth when right fielder Matt Mantione singled second baseman Alan Ashworth home. Ritchie singled in the sixth inning to score designated hitter Jesse Ross and give RU a 3-1 lead.

The Rams, who earned their first run in the top of the fifth on a sacrifice hit by first baseman Scott Gwozdz that scored designated hitter Joe Ciccone, scored two runs in the top of the eighth to tie the game at three. Second baseman Kurt Thomas singled, scoring Lert, who reached on a walk. Thomas then scored on a single by centerfielder Tim Short.

Radford closer Bret Lieberman (1-1) earned the victory, pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out four and walking one. Derek Hucke, who entered the game in the 10th, took the loss. He pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing one hit and one run, the game winner. Radford starter Tom Graham went 7.2 innings, allowing four hits and three runs. He walked three and struck out two. Fordham’s John Baco went 5.2 innings, allowing nine hits and three runs (two earned). He struck out five and walked three.

Thomas led Fordham at the plate, batting 2-for-4 with one RBI. Ross led RU with a 2-for-4 performance. Ritchie and first baseman Kellen Wohlford each hit 2-for-5 with Ritchie collecting an RBI.

Radford will play at Virginia Commonwealth on Tuesday at 4:00 pm before heading to High Point on Friday for its Big South Conference opener. First pitch against the Panthers is set for 3:00 pm. Fordham will be at Liberty for a two-game series beginning Tuesday at 1:00 pm.