Score: VCU: 5, Illinois State: 8
Location: Jacksonville, Fla. (John Sessions Stadium)
Records: VCU 8-5, Illinois State: 5-7

THE SHORT STORY

VCU's offense was hot Friday afternoon, but ultimately a six-run fifth for Illinois State propelled the Redbirds to an 8-5 victory.

LEADING OFF

• Steven Carpenter was perfect at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double and home run to go along with three RBI.
• Brandon Henson hit his fifth long ball of the season with a solo shot in the first.
• Jack Schroeder was 4-for-5 with an RBI.
• Edwin Serrano threw 4.2 innings of relief, giving up just one run.
• The Rams out-hit the Redbirds 16-13 on the afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Illinois State was hot out of the gate, taking an early 2-0 lead on three hits in the top of the first.
• The Rams didn't back down after trailing early. Steven Carpenter, VCU's first batter of the day, single-handedly cut the lead 2-1 with a home run over the left field fence. Just a few batters later, Brandon Henson stepped to the plate and tied it 2-2 with a solo shot for his fifth long ball of the season.
• VCU kept the momentum, taking a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the second. Brett Young lead off with a single and scored when Carpenter delivered a double to right field.
• After two scoreless innings, the momentum swung in favor of the Redbirds in the top of the fifth. With the help of a grand slam, Illinois State scored six runs in the inning to take an 8-3 lead.
• The Rams got a run back in the bottom of the sixth to cut the lead 8-4. Brett Young knocked a leadoff single to center field and got to scoring position when Norwood worked a walk. After advancing to third on a balk, Carpenter drove Young across home plate with a sacrifice fly.
• Relief pitcher Edwin Serrano was able to keep Illinois State scoreless in the final four innings, giving the VCU offense a chance for the comeback. The Rams got off to a good start in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring its final run after a couple of base knocks. Ultimately, a double play ended the game and VCU fell 8-5.

NEXT UP

The Rams will be back in action Saturday, March 7 against Jacksonville University. First pitch at John Sessions Stadium is slated for 2 p.m. ET.