JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — Radford Highlanders took an early lead Tuesday and held on for a 12-10 victory over East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Thomas Stadium. Radford improved to 22-21, while East Tennessee State fell to 29-17.

The Highlanders scored four unearned runs in the first inning, highlighted by Trey Sparrer’s two-run single. Radford added two more in the third on a groundout and a wild pitch. East Tennessee State rallied, plating eight runs in the fourth to take an 8-5 lead. Jamie Palmese doubled for two RBIs and Axel Melendez doubled for two more. Ian Guanzon singled to make it 8-5. The Buccaneers extended the lead to 10-5 in the fifth and seventh.

Radford answered with six runs in the eighth, including Noah Toole’s two-run double and a pair of wild-pitch scores. Relievers Mason Hatcher and Hunter Howard each struck out three in a scoreless inning. Melendez finished 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Guanzon went 4 for 4 with two RBIs. Palmese was 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Toole went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Radford had 11 hits; East Tennessee State had 14.