Score:Â No. 24 Old Dominion 3, VCU 1
Location:Â Richmond, Va. (The Diamond)
Records:Â VCU 2-5, No. 24 Old Dominion 6-1
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The short story:Â A three-run sixth inning was the difference as the nationally-ranked Monarchs defeated VCU in its home opener.
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FIRST PITCH
- This was VCU's third straight game against a ranked opponent.
- Sophomore lefty Tyler Davis was impressive in his first career start, striking out a career-high seven batters in 4.0 scoreless innings (which also matched a career high) and allowing just one hit.
- Redshirt sophomore left-hander Jack Masloff surrendered just one hit across three scoreless innings to close the game.
- The Rams and Monarchs had four hits apiece.
- ODU's Jacob Gomez earned the win on the mound with 4.1 scoreless innings of relief, while Noah Dean notched the save with a perfect ninth inning that included two strikeouts. Chase Hungate was handed the loss for VCU after allowing three unearned runs.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
- The game started as a pitcher's duel, with ODU's Blake Morgan striking out six Rams in the first three frames, and Davis throwing six straight Ks during a scoreless four-inning start.
- Redshirt sophomore center fielder Scottie O'Bryan was hit by a pitch in the fourth, then advanced to third base on a single through the right side from freshman second baseman Marcus O'Malley. Sophomore shortstop Connor Hujsak laid down a sacrifice bunt down the first base line, scoring O'Bryan from third and getting VCU on the board first.
- ODU's Kyle Edwards reached on a throwing error in the sixth, then moved to second on a groundout, and scored on a Kenny Levari single to tie the game.
- Later in the inning, Carter Trice reached on a fielding error, and he and Levari both scored on Andy Garriola's two-run triple to make it 3-1.
- VCU was held without a hit for the final four innings.
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UP NEXT
As a part of the Central Virginia Classic, the Rams host three games at The Diamond this weekend. VCU will play Lafayette at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 4, Princeton at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, and Rutgers at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 6.Â
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Every game will be streamed on ESPN+. For information on VCU Baseball tickets, click
here.
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