Sherman, Williams, UNCA Snap Highlanders Win Streak

RADFORD, Va.--UNC Asheville’s Steve Sherman hit two home runs and pitcher David Williams picked up his third win of the season as the Bulldogs defeated Radford 10-3 in Big South baseball action Saturday at Dedmon Center Park. The loss snaps a six-game winning streak for the Highlanders. (Box Score)

Williams (3-2) threw seven innings, allowing four hits and two runs, only one of which was earned. He struck out three and walked four batters to earn the victory. Ryan Haushalter finished the game for UNCA, allowing three hits and one run in two innings of work.

Sherman, the designated hitter, hit a two-RBI home run in the top of the first inning to score second baseman David Williams and give UNCA an early 2-0 lead. The Bulldogs added two more runs in the top of the third inning when second baseman Williams homered to score center fielder Ben Padgett, who reached on a lead-off bunt.

UNCA (11-13; 1-1 Big South) extended its lead in the fifth inning when Sherman ripped a lead-off homer to straightaway centerfield. Left fielder Todd Coggins then scored on an error. First baseman Ben Kerr hit a two RBI single to score catcher Nick Jaksa and shortstop Josh Coyle. Kerr then scored on a fly-out by third baseman Steve Burnich giving the Bulldogs a 9-0 lead.

Radford (8-13; 4-1 Big South) made a dent in the lead with a two-run sixth inning. Shortstop Stuart Ritchie led off with a triple, but scored when Coyle overthrew Burnich in an attempt to throw out Ritchie. Designated hitter Jesse Ross singled to right field to score second baseman Alan Ashworth, who reached on an error. The Highlanders then loaded the bases but could not manage any more runs in the inning.

UNCA tallied its final run of the game in the seventh on a pop-up to left field by Burnich to score Kerr, who reached on a walk. The Highlanders tried to rally again in the eighth when left fielder Kellen Wohlford, who reached on a triple to right center, scored on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Shaun House. RU would put two more runners on base, but the Bulldogs managed to get out of the inning to preserve the win.

Justin Morgan (1-2) took the loss for RU, throwing four innings, allowing eight hits and six runs, all earned. He walked three batters and struck out one. Casey Hodges threw two innings of relief, allowing four runs, two earned, on three hits. Robby Bursey finished the game for RU, allowing no hits and no runs in three innings.

The Bulldogs were led by right fielder Matt Roberts, who was 3-for-4 at the plate. Sherman tallied three RBI in a 2-for-3 performance. Ross and right fielder Matt Mantione and led RU, posting 2-for-4 performances.

The teams will complete the three-game Conference series on Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.