Galax…It took three postponements and a change of venue, but the Radford Bobcats finally got to open their baseball season. The opener was worth the wait as they defeated the Galax Maroon Tide 5-3.

Senior Roman Bonet singled, walked twice, scored a run and knocked in one in the win. Chance Morris was the starting and winning pitcher as he tossed four innings giving up just one run and struck out five. Conner Phillips knocked in two runs as Justice Marshall and Morris both had an RBI each.

Cade Ashworth lead Galax as he went three for four at the plate knocking in one run and scoring one. Jacob Stuart had two hits and one RBI. Trent Tilley was the starter for the Maroon Tide as he went three innings and gave up two runs and two hits. He also walked three and struck out three.

Up 5-2 going into the bottom of the seventh, Radford made the game more than interesting. After getting the leadoff batter out, Galax scored a run and had the bases loaded with two outs against the Bobcats reliever Conner Phillips. The game had become a nail-biter and Radford head coach Greg Ridpath replaced Phillips with Bryce Young. Young came in to strike out the Maroon Tide leadoff man to preserve the win. “It got too interesting there at the end,” said Coach Ridpath. “Bryce (Young) really came through for us. I thought Chance did a heck of a job as the starter and Conner performed well also. He got tired and I decided to make a change.” Coach then remarked, “It was good to finally get some live action and the season going. “

The game was originally slated to be played at Radford. Their field at Scott Street was unplayable and the two teams changed the game to Felts Park in Galax.

Radford is scheduled to be back in action Friday as they hopefully will host Christiansburg, weather permitting.

R H E LOB

Radford 5 6 4 9

Galax 3 8 2 13

Radford – WP – Morris

Galax – LP – Tilley