Radford…The Auburn Eagles scored early and often as they defeated Radford Bobcats 9-3. Auburn scored three runs in the first and two more in the second as they improved to 16-1. Cole Epperly knocked in three runs and scored three times as he went 3 for 4 with the bat. He had a single and two doubles. Catcher Kyle Altizer singled and doubled. In addition he had three RBIs and scored once. Left hurler Jeremy Thomas held the Bobcats (11-7-1) to five hits and struck out three over 4.1 innings. He allowed two runs in the win.

Radford got two hits apiece from Justice Marshall, Ty Hamblin and Conner Phillips. Marshall scored once and knocked in one. Eric Burdette was one for two scoring a run and also knocking in a run.

Auburn, up 5-0 going into the top of the fifth, scored twice when Hunter Perkins tripled to deep right center and scored on a single by Epperly. Epperly crossed the plate after Ryan Albert’s single.

Radford got two of their runs in their bottom of the fifth as Burdette singled in Trace Shepherd and Marshall doubled in Burdette off of Auburn pitcher Thomas.

Auburn would strike back in their half of the seventh as Hunter Perkins doubled and scored on an Epperly single. Devin Durham would knock in Epperly for a 9-2 lead.

Radford got their third and last run in the bottom of the seventh with Marshall scoring with Conner Phillips being hit by a pitch.

“We lost to a very, very good ball club.” said Radford head coach Greg Ridpath. “They have a chance to go a long way. They can flat out hit, field and have good pitching. When you can do those three things, you have a great chance of winning. They put pressure on you to perform.”

Radford is slated to travel to James River today to finish their regular season before the playoffs begin. Game time is scheduled for 5:00 pm.

R H E LOB

Auburn 9 11 0 6

Radford 3 9 2 7

Auburn – WP- Thomas

Radford – LP- Hamblin