Pre-season predictions: The Rams look to keep swinging going into the 2023 season
VCU Graduate catcher Jacob Selden celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run in a game against the University of Virginia on Apr. 19, 2022. Photo by Alessandro Latour
Marcus Wilson, Contributing Writer
Hit hard, run fast and turn left.
The pressure is mounting on the 2022 Atlantic 10 champion: the VCU Rams. The black and gold look to maintain the flame with yet another victorious campaign as the men’s baseball team prepares for a full stride in the upcoming weeks.
The Rams will be contenders to defend their A-10 Championship in the upcoming campaign thanks to thrilling games. It’s looking to be a tremendous season for the black and gold with games against some of the NCAA’s top-ranked teams and rematches against opponents that helped mold them into champions.
As the Rams take the plate, a mix of conference and non-conference games comprise this list of important matchups to look forward to this season.
1. Season opener, VCU vs Coastal Carolina, Feb. 19
The Rams will take the plate and play against the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina University, who ended their 2022 season with 39 wins and 20 losses.
This matchup will have VCU facing national-caliber talent in its opening weekend, which is ultimately the position the Rams hope to be in by the end of the season.
The Rams did not compete against Coastal last year, so this is a new match up for VCU’s head coach Bradley LeCroy. He will take on a triple header, as the Rams also play Middle Tennessee and Fairfield that particular weekend.
2. VCU at No. 19 Virginia, May 2
The Rams face University of Virginia, the nation’s No. 24 ranked team, according to the NCAA.
The “battle of Virginia” will be intense. The Hoos come to protect their territory and “crown” the “kings” of Virginia because of their track record of good baseball seasons.
The 2022 season for UVA was disappointing because they were eliminated in the second round of the ACC tournament. The Rams did lose to the Hoos 12-6 last season, but they also triumphed in a thrilling 10 inning game in their first encounter. Given that they will be playing at Davenport Field at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville, the Rams shouldn’t feel any pressure from this non-conference opponent.
3. VCU vs University of Richmond, May 12-14
The Richmond game is always significant because it demonstrates who really controls Richmond. On the pre-season predictions for the Atlantic 10 conference, the Spiders are now ranked third, just behind the Rams.
The showdown between the Spiders and Rams makes for the ideal plot. Given the stress at the end of the regular season and just before the tournament, the Rams will want to repeat their 2022 campaign of entering the tournament on a winning streak.
4. VCU at No. 12 North Carolina, Feb. 28-March 1
When the Rams play University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on Feb. 28 and March 1, they take on another top 20 team. The Tar Heels are presently rated No. 12, according to NCAA.
The Tar Heels and Rams faced off three times in the NCAA tournament last year, with the Tarheels losing the first game but winning the following two while the Rams fought valiantly in defeat, twice in a row.
In contrast to previous years, the Rams will get to play their postseason opponents early on to gauge the competition and ultimately strive to avenge their postseason defeats.
5. VCU at Davidson College, May 4-6
Last but certainly not least, the Rams will take on Davidson, another league rival, in this matchup as part of a tripleheader. The Rams and Wildcats played in a nearly identical game the previous season, a three-game set in which the Rams were defeated 2–1.
The Rams have already been ranked second in the A-10 preseason rankings to Davidson despite being the defending champions, so this game is not just an opportunity to atone for the last encounter but also a chance to dispel doubt from detractors. Audiences can only anticipate that there will be a great deal of tension during this confrontation.
