RADFORD, Va. (April 23, 2024) – The ETSU softball team stepped out of conference play and dropped a doubleheader at Radford on Tuesday night at Radford Softball Stadium. The Bucs fell 4-0 in the opener and suffered a 4-2 setback in the nightcap.
With the losses, ETSU dropped to 10-31, while Radford improved to 22-22.
In the opener, both teams were held scoreless for the first three innings before the Highlanders broke through with a run in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth to finish off the four-run victory.
The Bucs were held to four hits in game one with
Brylee Mesusan going 2-for-3 with a stolen base in the leadoff spot.
Sara Muir (5-5) suffered the loss in the circle after allowing one run on three hits in four innings, while Gabby Fowler issued three runs (one earned) on three hits with two strikeouts (zero walks) in the final two frames.
ETSU left two runners stranded in the third, fourth and fifth innings.
The Highlanders got on the board with a solo home run in the fourth and capped off the scoring with a solo homer in the sixth. Ellen Palya (3-0) tossed a four-hit shutout with four strikeouts and three walks.
In game two, ETSU took a 2-1 lead after plating solo runs in the third and fourth innings; however, Radford struck for three runs in the sixth to complete the comeback, 4-2.
Cameron Young got the Bucs on the board when her third-inning RBI single to left brought in
Jasmine Sanchez, while Sanchez worked a bases loaded walk an inning later to bring in
Taylor Suchy, giving the Blue & Gold the 2-1 advantage.
Unfortunately, ETSU couldn't hold onto the lead as Radford plated three two-out runs in the sixth to rally for the win. After a fielder's choice RBI to shortstop tied the game at two, Taylor Breidt took a 1-1 pitch up the middle for a two-run scoring single and the game-winning hit.
Emily Musco led the Bucs with two hits, while Sanchez went 1-for-1 with a run scored, RBI and a walk.
Suchy got the start in the circle and allowed one run on two hits in five innings; however,
Kendall Thackston (1-5) took the loss as she was charged with the three runs on two hits with two walks in two-third of an inning.
Radford's Abby Peace got the win (4-7) after tossing the final four innings of one-hit ball.
ETSU returns to action on Saturday when the Bucs host Wofford in a SoCon series. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.
For more information on Buccaneer softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball tab.
