RADFORD, Va. — Aided by a two-run homer from first baseman
Ryan Gilmore, as well as a three-pronged pitching performance that held the Presbyterian offense in check, the Radford baseball team delivered one of their most complete performances of the season as they took down Presbyterian 6-4 on Friday afternoon at Carter Memorial Stadium.
The Highlanders (10-44, 2-24 Big South) jumped out to an early lead, going ahead 1-0 in the first inning on a fielding error from the Blue Hose shortstop that allowed
Austin Stalker to score. In the second inning, center fielder
Cameron Pittman delivered an RBI single that plated
Sully Tibbs and Gilmore, who would come around to score on another error.
Later in the frame, shortstop
Zack Whitacre laced a single through the left side, bringing home Pittman to make it a 4-0 ballgame. It was part of a 2-for-4 day for Whitacre.
Helping preserve that lead was Radford starter
Dylan Howard, who went five innings and allowed three earned runs, scattering eight hits. Howard pitched effectively to contact, earning his first win since Mar. 4 against Hartford.
The Highlanders also saw a record-breaking outing from RHP
Landon Higgerson, who set the single-season program record with his 36th appearance in the sixth inning. Higgerson was also efficient, recording eight outs and surrendering only one run with three strikeouts.
In the fourth inning, Gilmore provided the blast that proved to be decisive: a two-run homer to left field, part of a 2-for-4 day.
LHP
Luke VonGoedert entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning, retiring four batters to earn the save. It certainly wasn't without drama. With the bases loaded in the ninth, VonGoedert induced a swinging strikeout of Ryan Ouzts to secure the win. It was VonGoedert's second save of the year.
Presbyterian (20-34, 11-15) was led offensively by Chase Hughes, who went 3-for-4. Charlie McDaniel took the loss for the Blue Hose.
KEY STATS
- Whitacre recorded his 100th career hit in a Highlander uniform.
- With a base knock, Stalker extended his hitting streak to 11 games, and his on-base streak to 21 games.
- Higgerson broke the pitching appearances record held by Andrew Woods, which had stood since 2015.
Follow Radford Baseball on Social Media
For more updates on Radford Baseball, follow @RadfordBaseball on Twitter, 'radfordbaseball' on Instagram, or like Radford Baseball on Facebook.
