FARMVILLE, Va. — The Radford baseball team saw a tremendous pitching performance in game one of their doubleheader against Longwood, earning their first conference win of the season as they defeated the Lancers 5-3 in game one, before falling by a 13-4 final in the second game at Buddy Bolding Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
GAME ONE
In an old-fashioned pitcher's duel, Radford starter Ty Burton pitched a gem, while Luke VonGoedert earned a three-inning save as the Highlanders won their first conference game with a 5-3 victory over the Lancers in game one.
Radford (9-36, 1-17 Big South) got six innings from Burton, who struck out four batters and walked only one while yielding three earned runs for his third victory of the season.
Trailing 3-0 early, the Highlanders finally got their mojo in the fourth inning. A double by third baseman Bannon Brazell put runners at second and third, setting the stage for a two-RBI double by shortstop Avery Spencer.
In the seventh inning, catcher Julian Rojas came up clutch with a single to center field that plated two runs, giving Radford a 4-3 lead.
VonGoedert then came in and shut the door. The lefty was nearly perfect, recording nine outs while allowing no walks and just two singles.
With two out and two on in the ninth, VonGoedert induced a 4-3 double play started by Sully Tibbs to seal the win. It was VonGoedert's first career save.
Spencer was 2-for-4 with three RBI, adding a run-scoring single in the eighth. DH Austin Stalker went 2-for-5, while Pittman was 2-for-4 with a walk.
GAME TWO
Longwood (18-28, 7-14) took control early with eight runs in the first inning, going on to win 13-4.
Radford got on the board in the sixth inning when Stalker sent a double down the right field line that drove in a pair. Brazell would tack on a double of his own, giving the freshman a two-bagger in two straight games.
Stalker went 1-for-4 with a run, in addition to the two RBIs. As a team, Radford was held to just five hits.
Ethan Walker was the winning pitcher for the Lancers, pitching five shutout innings. Starter Ben Keefe was tabbed with the loss for Radford.
The Highlanders' bullpen saw scoreless outings from Gannon Kadlecik and Zack Mallia.
UP NEXT
Radford will have the week off before gearing up to host Winthrop in Big South Conference action this weekend. First pitch on Friday, May 5th is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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