ETSU Baseball Falls Short in Radford Matchup

Buccaneers rally late but can't overcome Highlanders in non-conference clash

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and motion of a baseball game, with players' forms dissolving into energetic brushstrokes.The ETSU Buccaneers' late-game rally fell just short against the Radford Highlanders in a hard-fought non-conference baseball matchup.Johnson City Today

The East Tennessee State University baseball team fell short in their comeback attempt against Radford University, losing 4-3 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday. The Buccaneers staged a late rally but were unable to overcome the Highlanders' early lead.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for the ETSU baseball program as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The Buccaneers have had an up-and-down season so far, and this close defeat against a regional opponent will be a tough one to swallow.

The details

Radford jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, which proved to be enough to hold off the Buccaneers' comeback attempt in the late innings. ETSU scored two runs in the 8th inning to make it a one-run game, but they were unable to complete the rally and tie it up in the 9th.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

East Tennessee State University

The ETSU Buccaneers are the athletic teams of East Tennessee State University, a public research university located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Radford University

Radford University is a public university in Radford, Virginia, known for its baseball program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This close loss to a regional opponent is a missed opportunity for the ETSU baseball team to build momentum and confidence heading into the heart of their conference schedule. The Buccaneers will need to regroup and find a way to win these close games if they hope to make a push for the postseason.