Baseball 2/22/2015 4:56:00 PM

BASEBALL FALLS TO AUBURN IN ABBREVIATED SERIES FINALE

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GAME 3 :: Five Innings :: Auburn 6 :: Radford 0

AUBURN, Ala. ---- The Radford baseball team concluded its series at Auburn on Sunday with a 6-0 loss at Hitchcock Field in Plainsman Park. After an off-and-on rain, the game was ended after the fifth inning as the weather worsened.

"Auburn executed when they had to and did all of the little things you have to do when you get guys on," said head coach Joe Raccuia. "We had a chance to control the inning they scored their first three runs but just didn't do it. We did not play very well in all facets. We need to clean things up defensively and play at a better pace, and we will be fine. We got really humbled this weekend. We need to wake up, play the next day and get better."

Brad Keen recorded the Red and Whites only hit of the contest, singling up the middle on a 2-2 pitch. Mitchell MacKeith got the start, throwing four innings and giving up six runs on seven hits. Miller Trevvett and Austin Ross both came in out of the bullpen.

Auburn was led by Jordan Ebert at the plate. Ebert recorded three hits in three at bats and three RBI. Anfernee Grier tallied two hits and two runs on the day. Kevin Davis went 3.2 innings with five strikeouts, surrendering one hit.

The Highlanders (2-4, 0-0 Big South) failed to tally the game's first run for the first time this season as Auburn (6-2, 0-0 SEC) broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning on a RBI groundout from Damon Haecker. Blake Logan was the runner to come home on the play after reaching on a single. With two out, the Tigers pushed the lead to three on an Ebert two-run homer over the green giant in left field.

Radford looked to respond in the top of the fourth. Patrick Marshall looked at four balls to reach first base with Hunter Higgerson coming to the plate. Higgerson hit a shot to deep left field, sending in straight into the green giant that Ebert had just cleared. After a discussion between umpires, the ball was ruled foul.

Auburn's lead grew in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run inning. The Highlanders threw three different pitchers before escaping the frame. A single from J.J. Shaffer and a wild pitch put the runner in scoring position. Grier doubled down the left field line back to the warning track to score one. A walk and a single off Ebert's bat scored the second run. Haecker came in to make it a 6-0 ballgame on a fielder's choice.

Radford opens next week at Virginia Tech on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. before hosting Binghamton for the 2015 home opening weekend beginning on Friday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m.

For the latest news on the Radford baseball team, follow the Highlanders on Twitter at @RadfordBaseball. To keep up with all Radford athletics, follow @RU_Athletics on Twitter.

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