NORFOLK, Va. – The VMI Keydets had the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position in the ninth, but could not complete the rally and fell, 5-4, to the Old Dominion Monarchs in non-conference baseball action Tuesday in Norfolk, Va.
Trailing 5-2, VMI's Matt Winn reached on an error to start the ninth inning. Gary LeClair pinch-ran and Will Malbon followed with an infield single. Cameron Walter then followed with what proved to be a critical play, a line drive single to center. LeClair scored easily but Malbon, running aggressively, was thrown out at third by center fielder Connor Myers. Walter advanced to second on the throw and would score on a RBI hit by pinch-hitter Josh Worthley, making it 5-4.
Drew Bryan pinch-ran for Worthley and Jordan Tarsovich singled to put two runners on. David Geary moved the runners up with a fly ball to left that put runners at second and third, but Brandon Angus grounded to short to end the game.
Offensively, the Keydets (9-6) were led by Walter, who went 2 for 3 with a run scored and two RBI, while Matt Winn also chipped in two hits. P.J. Higgins, Ben Slaton and Taylor Ostrich had two hits apiece for the host Monarchs (10-6).
On the mound, the starters got the decisions on what proved to be a staff day for both programs. Campbell Henkel (1-2) took the loss by giving up five runs on five hits over two innings, while Greg Tomchick (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings for ODU to notch the victory. The VMI bullpen was once again outstanding, scattering four hits over six innings to set the stage for the near-miss rally.
The Keydets threatened in the first against Tomchick, as Geary singled with one out and Angus followed with a walk. The ODU starter struck out Red Dowdell and Will Connerley, however, and the home team jumped ahead in the bottom half. Nick Walker led off with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch. He then scored on a misplayed grounder, putting the Monarchs up, 1-0.
The home team then added four runs in the third to push the margin to five. Higgins led off with a double and Slaton followed with a single up the middle that was misplayed by the VMI outfield for an error. Higgins scored and Slaton wound up at second for a 2-0 ODU lead. One batter later, Ostrich doubled home a run to end Henkel's night. A sacrifice fly and RBI groundout made it 5-0, Monarchs, and ended the home team's scoring for the night.
VMI got on the board in the fourth, when Will Connerley had a one-out single to get things started. Winn followed with a base hit, putting runners at the corners, and Malbon walked to load the bases. Walter then walked to drive home a run and Tanner Dofflemyer lofted a sacrifice fly, making it 5-2. That was the score until the ninth inning, when the Keydet rally came up just short.
VMI baseball is back in action Wednesday for another game with Old Dominion. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
