CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Breckin Nace’s three-run homer in the first inning set an immediate tone, and a trio of Radford pitchers combined to stifle Western Carolina as the Highlanders earned a 7-1 victory in nonconference baseball Friday evening.

Playing at a neutral site, Radford (7-5) capitalized on early opportunities against Western Carolina starter Davis Wright and never relinquished control. The Catamounts (9-4), coming off a high-scoring road win at Georgia, managed nine hits but stranded 10 baserunners, repeatedly failing to capitalize with men on base.

The game’s decisive moment came in the bottom of the first. After Western Carolina left two on in the top half, Radford’s Eli Hudgins singled with one out in the home half. Nace followed by driving a Wright offering over the right-center field wall for a three-run shot, swiftly erasing any early momentum the Catamounts had built.

Radford extended its lead to 4-0 in the second. Trey Sparrer and Connor Aaron led off with singles, and after a sacrifice bunt, Devin Parks grounded out to third, allowing Sparrer to score.

Western Carolina scratched out its lone run in the third off Highlanders starter Raymond Ladd. Nate Lyda bunted for a single, advanced on a walk, and scored on Zach Stanley’s two-out RBI single to right field. The Catamounts loaded the bases but Ladd induced an inning-ending groundout to shortstop to limit the damage.

Ladd earned the win, allowing one run on four hits over four innings, walking three and striking out three. Daniel Quintana, named the top star for Radford, was dominant in relief. He took over in the fifth and fired four scoreless innings, surrendering four hits and striking out three to secure the victory. It was his second strong outing in a week, following a 4 1/3-inning, one-run performance against Bryant.

The Highlanders put the game out of reach with a three-run sixth, aided by a Western Carolina error. With two on and one out, Parks laced a two-run double down the left field line, plating two unearned runs to make it 7-1.

Jacob Arnberger and Shane Huntsberger provided scoreless relief for Western Carolina, but the early deficit proved too large. Wright took the loss, charged with five runs, four earned, on four hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings.

Hudgins led Radford’s 10-hit attack, going 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Junho Son added two hits, including a double, and scored twice. Lyda was a bright spot for Western Carolina, collecting four of the team’s nine hits.

Radford looks to continue the series against Western Carolina on Saturday, again at Charlotte’s facility. The Catamounts will face the host Charlotte 49ers in a separate game earlier in the day.