Early offensive production helped ODU baseball pull even in their series against Charlotte. The Monarchs secured their sixth win of the season, largely in part to a three run first inning and strong starting pitching.
“”It was a good ball game,” said ODU Head Coach Chris Finwood. “We pitched very well and got a few big hits. Been an even series so far with a big game tomorrow.”
Starter Dylan Brown held the 49er offense in check, retiring the first ten batters he faced. Brown only allowed one hit in 4.1 innings while striking out 7. He was rewarded with early run support. Kyle Edwards started the game off with a leadoff single. Luke Waters was able to drive in Edwards on a long fly ball that was booted and lost in the sun. An early break the Monarchs did not let go to waste. Kenny Levari and Jackson Tone followed suit and added a pair of RBI singles, stretching the lead to 3-0.
Charlotte’s best opportunity came in the top of the 4th. After a double and back-to-back walks, Brown found himself in a bases loaded jam. He was able to work out of the threat as Johnny Sutryk went down swinging and Edwards fielded a ground ball and stepped on second base for the force out.
Lincoln Ransom came on in relief in the fifth, allowing just one hit in 1.2 innings. Ransom earned his first win of the season and continues to improve in his new role on the mound.
Freshman Carter Sunderman got his second start of the season at second base and made the most of it. Sunderman started off the seventh with a single to right. He then stole second and was waived in on a Kyle Edwards base knock. The play at the plate was very close, but good for the first run of Sunderman’s career.
The strikeout pitch was working again today as ODU pitching combined for 12 K’s on the day. Jacob Gomez got his third save on the year allowing one run on two hits and striking out five. Charlotte’s lone run came in the top of the ninth courtesy of a two out walk and a double. Gomez induced a fly ball to center to seal the victory.
The Monarchs look to take the rubber match on Sunday at 1pm with Trent Buchanan on the mound.