Score: VCU 8, Dayton 3
Location: Richmond, Va. (The Diamond)
Records: VCU 25-14 (7-4 Atlantic 10), Dayton 25-14 (7-4)
 
The short story: Senior third baseman Brandon Eike ripped three hits, while senior lefthander Christian Gordon threw 5.2 scoreless innings to spark VCU Saturday at The Diamond.
 
LEADING OFF

• Gordon started and spun a shutout into the sixth for VCU. He scattered five hits and walked just two, while striking out eight
• Eike turned in a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, including a double, and scored a pair of runs
• Graduate first baseman Eli Weisner and graduate centerfielder Cooper Benzin each finished 2-for-3 with a two RBIs and a pair of runs scored for the Black and Gold. Both players reached base four times on the day
• Senior catcher Nic Ericsson also doubled and drove home a pair of runs for the Rams 

THE STRETCH

• VCU wasted little time before going to work on Dayton pitching. The Rams loaded the bases with one out, and Weisner lined a two-run single into center. Benzin followed with an infield single, and a throwing error brought home sophomore Aden Hill for a 3-0 VCU lead
• The Rams extended their advantage to 6-0 in the third. VCU loaded the bases again, and Benzin drove in a run on a fielder's choice. Moments later, Ericsson smashed double up the alley in left field to plate a pair of Rams
• The Black and Gold lead ballooned to 8-0 in the fifth on a Benzin RBI triple and a wild pitch

NOTABLE

• Gordon has thrown a combined 12.2 scoreless innings in his past two starts. He has struck out 18 over that period
• Eike has recorded six three-hit games this season
• VCU improved to 17-5 at home this season

NEXT UP
The Rams and Flyers will conclude their three-game set on Sunday, April 21 at The Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.