Score: VCU: 17, Charlotte: 5
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (Hayes Stadium)
Records: VCU 1-0, Charlotte 0-1

THE SHORT STORY

Senior outfielder Brandon Henson started off the season strong with two home runs to lead a VCU offense who used a 20-hit attack to pick up a decisive opening day win.

LEADING OFF

• The Rams used 17 runs on 20 hits to make an offensive statement on opening day.
• Paul Witt lead the way offensively with three hits and four RBI. Hogan Brown also recorded three hits with five other Rams recording two hits on the night.
• Every person in VCU's starting lineup recorded a hit.
• Four Rams made their collegiate debut. Brett Young and Tyler Locklear both recorded a base knock in their first collegiate at-bat.
• Right hander Justin Sorokowski picked up the win, throwing three complete innings and allowing just two runs. Edwin Serrano threw three scoreless innings to pick up the save.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Rams used a two-out rally in the top of the first, sparked by a first-pitch home run by Henson, to take an early 3-0 lead.
• Charlotte started to chip away at the Rams' three-run lead with a run each in the bottom of the second and third.
• After being held off the board in the second and third, VCU's bats got hot in the fourth inning, highlighted by Henson's second long ball of the night. The Rams used the momentum to tack on five runs for an 8-2 lead.
• The 49ers responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth cutting the VCU lead 8-5.
• VCU took control in the top of the fifth with back-to-back home runs by Steven Carpenter and Brett Norwood for a 10-5 lead.
• The Rams continued to pour it on with a run each in the sixth and seventh. Another five runs on three hits in the ninth increased the lead 17-5.
• Solid relief pitching for the Rams kept Charlotte off the board for the final five innings. 

NEXT UP

The Rams will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. for its second of a three-game series with Charlotte.