The Radford University softball program put forth an incredible effort Sunday afternoon in the finale of the Hokie Invite in Salem, rallying back from down three to tie late before ultimately falling in walk-off fashion 5-4 to #15 Virginia Tech.
The Highlanders had some big moments throughout Sunday’s battle with the Hokies, starting right away in the first inning. After Virginia Tech got its lead batter on, starting pitcher Dakota Redmon responded with a strikeout and groundout. The Hokies would load the bases, but Radford caught the runner on third attempting to steal home to end the inning.
Redmon would toss another scoreless frame in the second while the offense looked to string some hits together. In the third inning, Virginia Tech plated their first two runs with a two-out double to take the 2-0 lead.
Rachel Smith got Radford’s first hit of the day in the fourth, but with two outs in the inning already she was left stranded. Now in the circle for Radford was Morgan Cooper, who pitched a perfect inning of relief in the bottom of the fourth.
Radford kept fighting and in the fifth broke through. Abby Bossler began the inning with an infield single, followed by Grace Hogie who had the first big of the day. Hogie launched a ball past the centerfielder and all the way to the wall for an RBI triple. She would be stranded at third, however, as Radford trailed just 2-1.
The Hokies tacked on a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth via two solo home runs to push their lead to 4-1. In the sixth, the Hokies threatened to add on more with the bases loaded and just one out. Abby Peace entered in relief, picking up two huge outs to end the threat and keep the game within reach.
Bossler would begin the rally once again with a single in the seventh. Hogie would draw a walk, forcing a Virginia Tech pitching change. Grace Bechtol would add a big infield hit to load the bases. Isabel Harrison would clear the bases, roping a three-RBI double to center field that scored everybody and tied the game at 4-4.
The Hokies would get three straight on base to begin their half of the seventh, however, walking off the game on a wild pitch to escape Radford’s upset attempt in the 5-4 finish.
Radford University Athletics
