Game One Box Score (HTML)
Game Two Box Score (HTML)
RADFORD, Va.—The University of Evansville baseball team’s offense was able to get on track for 17 runs in two games of a doubleheader Sunday at Radford, but a pair of third-inning explosions by the Highlanders powered Radford to a doubleheader sweep of UE by scores of 16-8 and 11-9.
The Highlanders used a seven-run third-inning to blow things open in the opener, as Radford jumped to a 13-0 lead through five innings before Evansville was able to battle back. Center fielder Mario Duarte launched a grand slam to key RU’s seven-run third inning in game one.
UE would respond by scoring two runs in each of the last four innings, highlighted by a two-run sixth-inning double by sophomore Tom Freeman, a two-run seventh-inning single by sophomore Andy Pascoe, and an RBI double by rookie outfielder Greg Wallace in the eighth inning, but it would be too little too late for the Purple Aces, as the Highlanders took the opener 16-8.
Duarte finished the opener a triple short of the cycle, while driving in seven runs. Designated hitter Raphael Turner added four hits and three runs, and outfielder Reggie Keen also chipped in three hits and four RBI. Sophomore outfielder Alex Acheson had four hits to pace Evansville, while Freeman added a three-hit effort as well in game one.
In the nightcap, Radford used a five-run third inning to grab an early 5-0 lead on UE en route to an 11-3 cushion going into the seventh and final inning. The Purple Aces would answer back with six runs in the final frame to cut the lead back to 11-9, and UE was able to put two runners into scoring position with two out, but Radford reliever Abram Williams struck out Wallace to preserve the victory. Junior infielder Andy Smith led Evansville’s offensive charge in game two with a 3-for-4 effort and four RBI.
With the doubleheader sweep, Radford improves to 6-1 on the 2008 season. Evansville, meanwhile, falls to 0-7. The Purple Aces will continue on a 12-game season-opening road trip this week with road contests at Tennessee-Martin (Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.) and #17 Kentucky (Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.).
