JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — RHP
Zack Mallia delivered the best start of his Highlander career, but it was not enough as the Radford baseball team fell in walk-off fashion to East Tennessee State 6-5 on Tuesday evening at Thomas Stadium.
Mallia went five innings against a strong ETSU lineup, holding the Buccaneers to three runs while striking out five batters. The five punchouts tied a career-high for the junior from Crozet, Va.
After surrendering two runs in the first inning, Radford (7-26) struck back, as first baseman
Ryan Gilmore deposited a solo home run over the left field in the third inning wall to halve the deficit.
In the fourth inning, with the bases loaded, right fielder
Paul Moore came up clutch with a two-out, bases-clearing double that put Radford ahead 4-2. It was part of a two-hit, three-RBI day for Moore.
Catcher
Garrett Pancione also aided in the offensive efforts, going 3-for-3 with a walk, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Shortstop
Avery Spencer also checked in with a multi-hit outing, going 2-for-4.
ETSU (15-15) rallied to score three runs in the bottom of the ninth, as Cameron Sisneros delivered the game-winning hit. Derek McCarley was the winning pitcher for the Buccaneers, while
Dylan Howard took the loss for Radford.
KEY STATS
- RHP Landon Higgerson made his nation-leading 23rd appearance of the season, entering in the 6th inning and retiring the first nine batters he faced.
- The 10 hits for Radford were their most in a game since Mar. 21 vs. James Madison (12).
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will have a quick turnaround as they travel to Harrisonburg, Va. on Wedneday for a matchup with James Madison. First pitch is set for 6 p.m., and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
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