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Virginia Commonwealth University

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Baseball

VCU FALLS TO ILLINOIS STATE IN OFFENSIVE BATTLE

Box Score

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.

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Players Mentioned

Steven Carpenter

#1 Steven Carpenter

INF
5' 11"
Senior
Brandon Henson

#12 Brandon Henson

OF
5' 11"
Senior
Pickerington Central (Sinclair CC)
Jack Schroeder

#19 Jack Schroeder

RHP/OF
6' 2"
Junior
Edwin Serrano

#10 Edwin Serrano

RHP
5' 11"
Junior
Brett Young

#27 Brett Young

INF
6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
The Albany Academy

Players Mentioned

Steven Carpenter

#1 Steven Carpenter

5' 11"
Senior
INF
Brandon Henson

#12 Brandon Henson

5' 11"
Senior
Pickerington Central (Sinclair CC)
OF
Jack Schroeder

#19 Jack Schroeder

6' 2"
Junior
RHP/OF
Edwin Serrano

#10 Edwin Serrano

5' 11"
Junior
RHP
Brett Young

#27 Brett Young

6' 2"
Redshirt Freshman
The Albany Academy
INF