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Radford University Athletics

Home Of The RadFord Highlanders RadFord Highlanders
Johnsonbaugh-20160527
Josue Roman
10
Radford RAD 19-29
11
Winner LIBERTY LIBERTY 31-27
Radford RAD
19-29
10
Final
11
LIBERTY LIBERTY
31-27
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Radford RAD 0 0 0 0 5 0 3 2 0 10 9 4
LIBERTY LIBERTY 0 2 6 0 0 2 0 1 X 11 13 3

W: GRABOWSKI, E (1-1) L: Krupp, Mack (1-2)

Game Recap: Baseball |

RADFORD’S MAGICAL TOURNAMENT COMES TO AN END WITH A 11-10 HEARTBREAKING LOSS



GAME INFORMATION
  • Liberty 11, Radford 10
  • Records: Liberty (31-27) | Radford (19-39)
  • Location: Lexington County Baseball Stadium | Lexington, S.C.
                                      
LEXINGTON, S.C. – Radford's magical run through the Big South Tournament Championships came to an end in heartbreaking fashion as the Highlanders' comeback attempt fell short at the hands of Liberty 11-10, Friday afternoon in a Commonwealth semifinal matchup.  
 
Trailing 8-0 after three innings, highlighted by a six-run third by the Flames, Radford looked to find some of its comeback magic once again in the tournament.
 
The Highlanders found the magic in the top of the fifth inning as Luke Wise reached on a fielding error, setting up a RU rally. Chris Coia and Colby Higgerson followed with a pair of singles to load the bases. With the bases juiced, Danny Hrbek earned a RBI walk for the first RU run.
 
Shane Johnsonbaugh added two more runs on a double to left-center field. Following the Johnsonbaugh double, Jonathan Gonzalez lifted a long fly ball to center field as the runners tagged up with Hrbek scoring easily. The Highlanders fifth run in the inning came one batter later as Nygeal Andrews singled up the middle, cutting the deficit to 8-5.
 
Liberty added two more runs in the sixth on a sacrifice bunt and fly, pushing their lead to 10-5.
 
Radford wasn't going to go down without a fight as Hrbek reached on an error to start the top of the seventh. Following a Johnsonbaugh walk, Gonzalez collected his second RBI of the contest on a single to right field. Andrews earned a walk to load the bases with no outs.
 
Pinch hitter Chandler Davis received a chance to cut the deficit even more. Davis grounded into a fielders' choice as Andrews was put out 6-4, but Johnsonbaugh scored on the play for the second run of the inning. Liberty's lead was cut to two runs on an Adam Whitacre fly out to center field as the Highlanders inched closer.
 
Mack Krupp tossed a scoreless seventh, stranding a runner on second and sending the Highlanders to the dugout with an opportunity to tie the game.
 
The eighth inning looked dim after two quick outs to start the frame. Hrbek kept the frame alive with a single into center field. With a runner on first, two outs and down 0-2 in the count; Johnsonbaugh brought the Radford faithful to their feet as the senior launched a game tying two-run blast into deep right field.
 
Johnsonbaugh's seventh home run of the season brought new life to the Highlanders and capped off a 10-run comeback in four innings.
 
Liberty loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half of the inning. Radford made a pitching change, bringing in Kyle Zurak to get the Highlanders out of the jam. Payton Scarbrough greeted Zurak with a fly ball to right field, scoring Dalton Britt on the sac fly, taking a 11-10 lead.
 
Down to its last three outs and needing one run to tie the contest for the second consecutive inning, Radford looked for a little more magic to force a second semifinal matchup versus the Flames.
 
The inning started as Andrews reached on a fielding error by the Flames shortstop. Newly entered Zach Duff struckout for the first out of the inning. Whitacre walked to put runners on first and second with Wise putting down a sac bunt to advance the runners into scoring position.
 
Coia walked to load the bases for Higgerson with two outs. Higgerson faced three straight balls and looked to further his path as a folk hero at Radford. The freshman lined a 3-1 pitch off the glove of the Flames pitcher, who calmly regained himself, throwing to first base for the final out of the ballgame as the Highlanders dropped an 11-10 heartbreaking season finale.  
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
  • Win: Eric Grabowski (1-1) (1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K)
  • Loss: Mack Krupp (1-2) (2.1 IP, 1 H, 1R/1ER, 3 BB, 1 K)
  • Shane Johnsonbaugh finished his last game as a Highlander with a 3 for 4 effort with a season-high four RBIs and three runs scored. His last collegiate bat ended with a game tying two-run home run.
  • Johnsonbaugh finished the tournament with four RBIs, which leads all players. Johnsonbaugh ranks second in the tournament with three doubles. The senior finished his career with a 10-game on-base steak and eight game hitting streak.
  • Jonathan Gonzalez was the only other Highlander with double-digit hits, finishing with two hits and two RBIs.
  • Danny Hrbek scored three runs, while collecting a RBI. Hrbek scored seven runs in the four games.
  • Chris Coia reached base safely in four plate appearances, collecting a hit and three walks.
  • Nygeal Andrews finished the tournament with six RBIs.
  • Colby Higgerson went 7 for 19 with five runs scored and five RBIs.
  • Higgerson closed out the season with an 11-game hitting streak.
  • Hrbek finished with a 11-game on-base streak and a nine game hitting streak.
  • Radford scored 39 runs on 46 hits, including 36 RBIs and seven extra bases in the four games.
  • Eric Grabowski led the Flames with six RBIs in the contest.
 
QUOTABLE
  • I was really happy with how this team battled and learned how to play till the end of the game. We were down 8-0 with our backs against the wall and the next thing you know, were in a tie ballgame. I'm very proud of this team and the way they played this week. These guys are great ambassadors of Radford baseball and what we are all about. It really shined this week. ~ Radford head coach, Joe Raccuia
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