CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Eddie Copper dominated over six strong innings and the Charlotte 49ers broke open a tight game with a five-run outburst across the sixth and eighth innings to defeat the Radford Highlanders 7-1 on Friday evening at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium.

The game’s pivotal shift came in the bottom of the sixth inning, transforming a narrow 2-1 contest into a comfortable Charlotte lead. Radford starter Corey Costello had kept the 49ers off balance for five innings, allowing just one earned run on no hits with seven strikeouts, though he walked five. After Mason Self relieved Costello and recorded two outs, Adrian Jimenez laced a triple to left field.

Will Palmer entered for Radford and was immediately greeted by Todd Hudson, who launched a two-run homer down the left field line, scoring Jimenez. The 49ers were not done. Shane Nolan followed with a single, and after a single by R.J. Nedry, Dawson Bryce delivered an RBI double to left center, plating Nolan. The sequence stretched the Charlotte lead to 5-1 and provided ample cushion for the bullpen.

Charlotte’s offense was relentless, amassing 11 hits. Bryce led the way, going 3 for 5 with two RBIs. Jimenez finished 2 for 3 with a triple and scored twice. Hudson’s two-run homer was the game’s biggest blow. Cody Gunderson added two hits and an RBI.

The story on the mound, however, was Copper. The Charlotte starter earned the win, surrendering just one earned run on two hits across six innings. He struck out nine Radford batters and walked one, effectively neutralizing the Highlanders’ lineup. Joseph Taylor secured the final three innings for the save, allowing two hits and no runs.

Radford’s lone run came in the fourth inning. Nate Toole singled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI groundout by Ethan Hudgins. The Highlanders managed only four hits total, with Toole collecting two of them.

The loss went to Joshua Milleville, who was charged with two earned runs in the sixth-inning rally without recording an out. Radford’s defense committed three errors, leading to two unearned runs.

With the victory, Charlotte improved to 9-4 on the season. Radford fell to 6-5. The 49ers’ next game is Saturday at home against Western Carolina. Radford continues its road trip with a game at Western Carolina on Saturday.