Diamond 'Dogs Fall, 6-5, To Radford Saturday Afternoon
May 15, 2010 | Baseball
FOREST CITY, N.C. - Gardner-Webb saw a 4-0 lead evaporate in the late innings Saturday, as Radford plated three runs in the eighth and three more in the ninth to capture a 6-5 win in Big South play.
The one-run loss was the second in a row for Gardner-Webb (22-27, 8-15 Big South) against the Highlanders.
Neither team could produce much offense early, as Gardner-Webb starter Kyle Paeplow and Radford starter Eddie Butler hung zeros. GWU pulled Paeplow after the fourth innings on a pitch count, but freshman right Brock Wilson kept Radford at bay until Gardner-Webb could scratch its way in front in the sixth.
GWU plated four runs in the sixth, striking effectively with two outs. John Harris drove in Adam McFarland with a single to right for the first run, moved to second on a walk to Josh Drewery and scored on a sharp single to center by Benji Jackson for a 2-0 edge - chasing Butler from the game.
Radford relief man Brad Wimmer's first pitch was greeted by Daniel Merck for a long double off the wall, driving in two more for a 4-0 cushion.
The Highlanders (28-21, 15-8 Big South) finally got on the board in the eighth, doing damage with two outs as well.
Brett Mollenhauer led off with a single, moved to second on a walk and scored on a two-out single through the right side by Raphael Turner. Matt Mack then cut the lead to 4-3 with a two-run double off the wall in left center before reliever Adam Izokovic could close out the inning.
Gardner-Webb added a run in the bottom of the eighth, using sheer hustle with two outs. Josh Drewery legged out a triple then scored on an infield single to second base by Jackson - with Jackson racing down the line to beat the throw to first by a half step.
The 5-3 lead would not hold, as Radford loaded the bases in the top of the ninth. A fielding error allowed the Highlanders' fourth run to score and two more runs would cross before the inning ended with Radford in front 6-5.
Gardner-Webb got the tying run on board with two outs, as Kurt Fulginiti singled off Radford closer Jason Patten. Pinch runner Zeke Blanton swiped second base easily and moved to third when the throw down scooted into the outfield. Jake Watts appeared to have tied the game with a single into right field, but second baseman Alex Guerra skied to snag the looping liner to end the game.
Gardner-Webb collected 10 hits in the game, with Jackson (2-for-4, 2 RBI), Fulginiti (2-for-5) and Adam McFarland (2-for-4) leading the charge. Izokovic (5-4) was saddled with the loss, allowing an earned run and six hits in 1.1 innings of relief work. Paeplow was strong in the no decision, scattering three hits and fanning two in 4.0 scoreless innings.
Cassidy McDaniel (1-1) picked up the win for Radford with one run allowed in 1.1 innings of work. Patten earned his fifth save - and second of the series - with a scoreless ninth.
Radford had 12 hits on the day, with three different Highlanders collecting a pair.
Game three of the series was scheduled to begin Saturday afternoon as well, but has been pushed back to an 8:00 pm due to wet weather.
| Box Score (PDF) |
