RADFORD, Va. — On the heels of another offensive barrage and a breakout performance from catcher
Garrett Pancione, the Radford baseball team took down Iona 11-6 on Sunday afternoon at Carter Memorial Stadium.
The Highlanders (2-1) took the series in large part thanks to Pancione's efforts, as the freshman backstop went 4-for-4 with five RBI. In the second inning, Pancione sent a long fly ball that snuck over the left field wall for a home run, putting Radford ahead 2-0.
Later in the fourth inning, Pancione legged out an infield hit that drove in first baseman
Tanner Barrs, giving Radford a 7-6 lead. And in the eighth, Pancione capped off his terrific day with a two-RBI double down the left field line that gave the Highlanders a pair of insurance runs.
Radford went with a staff day on the mound.
Luke VonGoedert started the game, pitching two scoreless innings with all six outs coming via the strikeout. Lefthander
Ty Burton, making his third consecutive appearance, held the Gaels scoreless across 1.2 innings of work, earning his first win of the year.
Zack Mallia made his pitching debut for the Highlanders. The hard-throwing righthander pitched a perfect eighth and ninth inning, striking out three batters in the process.
Iona (1-2) was paced offensively by Phoenix Bowman, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI. But the Gaels struggled to contain the Highlanders offense, as the home team struck for 11 hits, five extra-base knocks, and four stolen bases.
Also aiding in the hitting barrage for Radford was left fielder
Peyton Henry, who collected three hits and scored a pair of runs. In the fourth inning, Henry had a two-run single that tied the game, setting the stage for Pancione's at-bat. DH
Julian Rojas was impressive at the dish, going 2-for-5 with three RBI.
KEY STATS
- Third baseman Miles LeVere drew a walk and was hit by a pitch. He has now been on base in seven of his 14 plate appearances.
- With four stolen bags today, Radford has nine stolen bases on the season, averaging three per game.
- In a very balanced effort, eight of Radford's nine starters scored a run.
UP NEXT
Radford will travel to the Tar Heel State for a matchup with No. 12 North Carolina on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
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