Highlander Baseball Falls In Opener

NORFOLK, Va. -- Sophomore designated hitter Matt Hudgins slammed a three-run homer in the first inning to lead the Old Dominion (1-0) to a season opening, 6-2 win over Radford in head coach Jerry Meyers’ debut. (Box Score)

Hudgins hit his homer with two outs and Keith Hahn and Steve Harris aboard. In the fifth Harris scored from second on a Radford error. In the sixth Evan Chipman doubled home Justin Gregula and Chipman later scored on a sacrifice fly by Hahn.

Radford (0-1) scored in the fifth and ninth innings. Junior Aaron Ranft walked with the bases loaded forcing in freshman Nate Toth. In the ninth, Ranft doubled home senior Kellen Wohlford.

Justin Tubb took the loss for the Highlanders to fall to 0-1 this season. He went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits.

Dana Arrowood picked up the win in relief. Both Arrowood and starter James Burok scattered nine hits and fanned six. C.J. Jacinto led ODU with two hits along with Chipman. Alan Ashworth led Radford with two hits on the day.

The two teams will play game two of the series Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.