Highlanders Earn First Win of Season

RADFORD, Va. - Radford University Baseball picked up its first win of the season, cruising past Binghamton, 21-4 in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday at Dedmon Center Park. The Highlander dropped the first game of the double dip 2-1. (Game 1 Box Score)(Game 2 Box Score)

In game two, RU (1-7) took an early 3-2 lead, but Binghamton (2-4) tied it with a run in the second inning. The Highlanders exploded for four runs in the bottom of third when Mark Fleisher doubled to score right fielder Matt Mantione and center fielder Scott Gvozdas. Catcher John Vellines then hit his first home run of the season, plating Fleisher.

The Highs added another nine runs in the bottom of the fourth to extend its lead to 16-3. RU closed out the sixth with five runs to push its lead to 21-3. Binghamton added one run in the top of the seventh for the final margin.

Radford starter Justin Morgan got the win while Andy Hutchings took the loss for Binghamton. Left fielder Kellen Wohlford led the Highlanders at the plate with a 4-for-5 performance and three RBI. Left fielder Joe Costello went 2-for-4 to lead the Bearcats.

In game one Costello hit a solo home run in the top of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie, giving the Bearcats the one-run win. David Lind got the win for Binghamton, allowing one run on five hits in six innings of work. Justin Tubb took the loss for RU, pitching a complete seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits.

Radford’s lone run in game one came when shortstop Stuart Ritchie singled designated hitter Jesse Ross home. Ritchie and second baseman Alan Ashworth led RU, hitting 2-for-4 at the plate.

The two teams will play a second doubleheader Sunday afternoon at Dedmon Center Park. First pitch is set for noon.