Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – Over one month later, Hannah Ojeda delivered a one-out walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give Radford a key 4-3 win over Liberty in the conclusion a suspended Big South game Thursday evening from RU Softball Field.

It took just 16 minutes to end a contest that began on March 23 and was halted in the top of the eighth tied at 3-3. With the win, the Highlanders (34-15, 13-2 Big South) take a two-game lead in the loss column over the Lady Flames (22-22, 8-4) in the league standings.

In the ninth, Kristen Shifflett was hit with one out and stole second. Two pitches later, Ojeda dropped in the game-winning single to right and Shifflett slid in safely with the winning run as the throw was up the third base line.

Radford was able to get to the bottom of the ninth with two key defensive plays. The Highlanders turned their 31st double play of the season when they ended the eighth with a 5-4-3 twin-killing. In the ninth with a runner on second and two outs, Nichole Beall left her feet and snagged a possible go-ahead single by Sammi Shivock.

Stephanie Dameron was superb over the two dates as she allowed just an earned run in a complete-game victory, her longest outing in her young Highlander career. She scattered six hits and struck out two to improved to 14-4.

Katrina Johnson (L, 11-8) suffered the defeat after reentering in the bottom of the eight. Over 7.1 innings, Johnson surrendered three earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks.

On the March 23, the teams each put two runs on the board in the first inning.

Two errors proved costly as Liberty jumped on top 2-0 in the top of the frame. The Lady Flames loaded the bases with one out and after a strikeout, a chopper to third by Kelly Strickland went off the glove, allowing two runs to come home.

It did not take long for Radford to tie the contest as Nichole Beall launched a two-run home run to rightcenter. At the time, it was her seventh straight hit and ninth hit in her last 10 at bats and seventh long ball of season. She now has 10 home runs.

The Highlanders took the lead in the fourth on a successful squeeze by Shannon Keefe. Her two-strike bunt caught Liberty off guard and Michelle Beall scored to go-ahead run.

The Lady Flames tied it up in the sixth on a two-out RBI single by Meredith Crisante, scoring Ashley Bensinger, who led off with a double.

With one out and Kaylee West at the plate with a 0-2 count, lightning was detected nearby. The game was stopped and about 20 minutes later a heavy downpour ensued and the game was officially postponed until tonight.

Radford heads down to Elon for a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m.