Score: VCU: 8, Charlotte: 4
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (Hayes Stadium)
Records: VCU 1-1, Charlotte 1-1

THE SHORT STORY

Consistent offense and steady pitching lead VCU to an 8-1 win over Charlotte Sunday, propelling the Rams to an opening weekend series victory.

LEADING OFF

• Josh Simon was impressive at the plate Sunday afternoon with three hits including a solo home run. He had six hits in just 10 at-bats this weekend.
• Freshman Mason Delane earned his first collegiate start on the mound and threw 2.2 scoreless innings.
• Maddison Furman was stellar out of the bullpen, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings to pick up the win. He struck out five and only allowed two hits.
• The Rams were patient at the plate Sunday, drawing 11 walks.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Rams took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. Simon led off the inning with a base hit and eventually scored when Brett Norwood laid down a fantastic sacrifice bunt.
• VCU doubled its lead, 2-0, in the top of the fifth with smart offense. Norwood got the inning started with a single and used head's up base running to cross home plate. He advanced to second on a throwing error, stole third and then scored on a throwing error on the catcher.
• Momentum stayed in VCU's favor in the top of the sixth as the Rams took a 4-0 lead. Simon and Norwood both picked up their second hits of the afternoon to give VCU two base runners.  Brandon Henson then picked up RBI four and five of the weekend when he drove both home with a single through the right side.
• Relief pitcher Furman had a fantastic outing when he took over the mound in the bottom of the third. He pitched 4.1 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits.
• The Rams took a decisive lead in the top of the eighth after scoring three runs. Simon continued his impressive day with a solo shot over the left field fence. After a couple walks gave VCU runners, Paul Witt smoked a ball down the third base line to drive both runners across home plate for a 7-0 lead.
• Charlotte ended the shutout in the bottom of the eighth with one run and scored three in the bottom of the ninth, making the final score 8-4.

NEXT UP

VCU will open its 2020 home slate with a midweek matchup Tuesday, Feb. 18 against Norfolk State. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. at The Diamond.