NELSON PITCHES RU PAST GEORGIA TECH, 3-1

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ATLANTA, Ga. - Dylan Nelson threw six hitless innings and earned the win in his first start of the season, and Michael Costello earned a three-inning save as the Highlander pitchers combined for a two-hitter at Georgia Tech (1-1) on Saturday. Radford (1-1) defeated the hosts of the Battle in Midtown Classic, 3-1.

The Yellow Jackets, who were ranked No. 35 this week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, took the lead in the fourth inning without the benefit of a base hit. Two walks and a hit batter by Nelson loaded the bases, but Tech managed just a single run on a sacrifice fly.

The Highlanders evened the score in the fifth. Blake Sipe reached leading off the inning when he was hit by a pitch. A Josh Gardiner single moved Sipe into scoring position, and Patrick Marshall drove in the tying run with a single to center field.

Nelson got the offensive help he would need to earn the victory from his teammates in the top of the sixth. Alexander Lee walked and moved into scoring position on a passed ball. Chris Coia knocked in the go-ahead run with a single to center, and the Highlanders took the lead for good.

"We got a great start from Dylan," Radford head coach Joe Raccuia said. "He was dominant, and Michael gave us three solid innings to finish it. Our pitching and defense were really good today."

The Highlanders added an important insurance run in the eighth. Hunter Higgerson led off the inning with a base hit to left field and eventually plated on a Gardiner fielder's choice.

Radford put up 11 hits on four Yellow Jacket pitchers. Zac Ryan (0-1) took the loss in relief of starter Cole Pitts.

But it was Nelson (1-0) and Costello (1) who headlined another win over an ACC ranked opponent. Nelson defeated then No. 4 Virginia last season, and Saturday left the game after 6.0 innings having given up no hits and just one run. He walked two and struck out six.

Costello worked 3.0 innings in scoreless relief and gave up just two hits and issued a single base on balls. He struck out two.

Radford completes its three-game stay in Atlanta on Sunday in the final game of the Battle in Midtown Classic. The Highlanders will face Old Dominion at 10:00 a.m.

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