Diamond 'Dogs Fall Short In 4-3 Loss At Radford Friday
May 01, 2009 | Baseball
RADFORD, Va. – Gardner-Webb entered Friday's game at
Radford just a half game behind the Highlanders for fourth place in
the Big South standings, but fell behind early and dropped a 4-3
decision on the road.
Gardner-Webb (22-19, 10-9 Big South) trailed 2-0 after two innings
Friday, but used a three-run burst in the fifth inning to take a
brief lead, with Justin Loyd's two-run single providing the big
blow with two outs. Radford (21-19, 12-8 Big South) worked out of
that jam, however, and took the lead for good after a leadoff walk
was driven home by a Tyren Rivers' single with two outs in the
seventh inning.
Radford tied the game, 3-3, in the fifth on a Reggie Keen RBI
single.
Gardner-Webb had a golden opportunity in the fourth inning, loading
the bases with one out, but a double play ruined the scoring
chance. Radford loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of
the eighth, threatening to break open the one-run affair, but
reliever Ryan Maxa came on to retire the side with a pair of ground
balls and a strikeout – giving GWU a chance to tie or go in
front in the ninth.
Radford closer Jason Patten had other ideas, however, striking out
a pair of Bulldogs to retire GWU in order in the top of the ninth
for his seventh save of the season.
Gardner-Webb had nine hits on the day, with Aaron Miller gong
3-for-4 to pace that effort. Jon Ahearn had a pair of singles, and
the quartet of Brock Miller (1-for-4, SB, run), Daniel Cooke
(1-for-3, RBI, SB), Justin Loyd (1-for-4, 2 RBI) and Ty Boyles
(1-for-4) had one hit each.
Devin Campbell (3-2) took the loss for GWU, scattering nine hits
and allowing four runs in 7.0 innings of work (three strikeouts,
three walks).
Radford had nine hits as well, with Keen going 2-for-4 to lead that
effort. Jake Quigg picked up the win with 1.2 innings of scoreless
relief after starter Aerik Taylor allowed three runs and eight
knocks in 6.1 innings of work.
The two teams will tangle again on Saturday in a crucial Big South
double header, which will begin at noon due to impending wet
weather on Sunday in the area.
