BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb (15-21, 5-6) baseball team dropped a 4-1 decision at the hands of visiting Radford (15-19, 4-7) on Saturday afternoon at Bill Masters Field.

Just like the opening game of the series, Radford took an early lead after plating a single run in the top of the first following a single off the bat of Breckin Nace. That advantage moved to 3-0 in the visiting half of the third after the Highlanders received an RBI hit from Hunter Keen and an unearned run off a defensive miscue by the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Gardner-Webb looked poised to plate its first run of the game in the fourth, but a perfectly executed relay by the Highlanders defense cut down a runner at the plate, leaving the score at 3-0 in favor of the visitors.

That missed opportunity proved costly as Radford tacked on a single run in the top of the fifth after Tyler Sparrer singled through the right side, plating James Ward, who collected a hit of his own previously in the at-bat.

The Runnin' Bulldogs threatened in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases with two outs following an infield hit by Dale Francis Jr. and double off the bat of Nick Capozzi. However, a groundout allowed Radford to escape the inning unscathed.

Looking for more ninth inning magic, Gardner-Webb was finally able to breakthrough on the scoreboard as Merik Carter came around to score after a double to left center by Ryan Kennell, however, the next two batters were retired in order as the 'Dawgs fell in game two, 4-1.

The rubber match of the series will take place tomorrow afternoon with the first pitch slated for 1 p.m. inside John Henry Moss Stadium.