BUIES CREEK, N.C. — Despite amassing a 3-0 lead in the early innings, the Radford baseball team could not contain the Campbell offense as they fell 12-4 in the series opener on Friday evening at Jim Perry Stadium.

The game started out well for the Highlanders (15-32, 8-14 Big South), as they struck for three runs in the third inning. With the bases loaded, shortstop David Bryant turned in a productive out, as he grounded out to first to drive in first baseman Ryan Gilmore, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Two batters later, third baseman Bradlee Preap checked in with a two-run single up the middle.

However, the Fighting Camels (35-16, 19-3) took control from that point on, scoring 11 runs over the next four innings. Campbell got on the board via a throwing error in the third, and tacked on two runs in the fourth thanks to a wild pitch and RBI groundout by Waldy Arias.

In the fifth, Jarrod Belbin launched a leadoff home run to right field, putting Campbell ahead 4-3. It was part of a five-run outburst for the Fighting Camels, who also tacked on three runs in the sixth.

Radford was able to muster up one more run in the top of the sixth, as left fielder Tanner Barrs poked a single to left that drove in Bryant. However, the Highlanders were held scoreless for the rest of the game.

Thomas Harrington (11-1) was the winning pitcher for Campbell, tossing six innings, though Radford was able to get the righty for four earned runs. Luke VonGoedert (2-3) took the loss for the Highlanders.

UP NEXT
The series will resume Friday at 6 p.m. The game can be viewed on ESPN+.

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