Tyrese Perkins, Contributing Writer
VCU started March with a 4-7 record after getting swept by the University of Virginia over a three game series.
The series of three matchup has been in the favor of UVA. It won both previous games 5-3 and 7-6.
The Rams’ began the top of the first inning in the field with the Cavaliers batting.
Graduate student pitcher Fenix DiGiacomo pitched to third-year Eric Becker — hitting a pop fly to the Rams.
The Cavaliers’ second-up-to-bat, second-year outfielder AJ Gracia, hit a home run. The Rams fielded the next two outs.
UVA played a clean bottom of the first inning.
The Rams’ first up to bat, third-year Cade Tousa, hit a single, but was tagged out while attempting to steal second base. The Cavaliers’ fielding efforts kept VCU from scoring. UVA 1-0.
The top of the second inning started off dreadful for VCU.
Third-year infielder Noah Murray hit a single up the middle to advance himself to first base, followed by second-year outfielder Zach Jackson, who hit a double to right field — advancing himself to second base and Murray onto third base.
DiGiacomo struck out the next two batters. UVA third-year infielder Eric Becker hit a ground ball to get the Rams out of the tight spot.
The Rams second time up to bat did not last long.
Third-year infielder Nate Kirkpatrick hit a single to the left side of the field, advancing himself to first base with two outs.
Graduate student catcher Teige Lethert hit a ground ball thrown out in between third and second base.
VCU came out aggressive to start the top of the third inning, not allowing UVA a single hit. However, the Rams could not capitalize and quickly got three outs.
At the top of the fourth inning, VCU substituted its pitcher with third-year pitcher Nick Frers.
The Rams played remarkable defense alongside the pitching change — with two outfield plays to compliment a strike out.
VCU’s Flores hit a single to the left outfield to start the bottom of the fourth. Kirkpatrick was then hit by a fastball. He advanced himself to first base and Flores to second base.
UVA First-year pitcher John Paone struck Lethert out, resulting in another no-score inning for both teams.
Frers allowed three hits by UVA and one run to score to open the fifth. First-year catcher Thomas O’Connell reached third after some errors, and eventually came home after a sacrifice fly.
The Rams did not allow UVA to score anymore this inning, with the next three batters being struck out.
VCU went into the bottom of the fifth down 2-0.
Graduate student utility player Dante DeFranco hit a single, before third-year infielder Trent Adelman bunted to advance DeFranco to second base. Third-year outfielder Petite hit a single to advance DeFranco to third base.
With two outs on the board and two runners on base, second-year catcher Jacob Lee hit a fly ball to center field to end the inning.
The top of the sixth inning was the quickest outs UVA had while batting. Frers allowed one hit to center field, which was caught — striking out the other two batters.
VCU was unable to respond once again, however, getting three quick outs of its own to keep the game at 2-0.
At the top of the seventh inning, VCU substituted in third-year pitcher Brody Leyboldt. Leyboldt walked the first batter of UVA , but the Rams were able to field the remaining outs.
UVA also made a pitching change, as first-year pitcher Noah Yoder held the Rams to another no-score bottom of the inning.
The eighth inning finally had both teams scoring — UVA with two outs and two players on bases.
VCU/UVA Second-year outfielder Zach Jackson hit a home run that brought Murray and third-year first baseman Sam Harris to score.
The Rams changed pitchers twice, first substituting third-year pitcher Cooper Weygandt, then graduate student pitcher Cade Dressler after just one pitch.
UVA finished the top of the eighth up 5-0.
First-year pitcher Jayden Stroman substituted as pitcher for UVA. Kirkpatrick took advantage and hit a double, advancing himself to second and sending one runner home. He made it to third base before DeFranco was struck out, finishing the bottom of the eighth inning. UVA 5-1.
The top of the ninth inning was a quick finish for UVA, with three quick strikeouts by the Rams.
The Cavaliers had another change with fourth-year pitcher Kevin Jaxel at the bottom of the ninth inning. Jaxel struck out the first two, leaving VCU with no runners on base.
However, the Rams were not finished. Petite walked on the next possession. Lee hit a single, advancing himself to first base and Petite to third base. Maher hit a single, advancing Lee to third base and Petite home. Flores hit a single, advancing Lee scoring.
The Rams’ momentum halted with Kirkpatrick, who hit a pop fly into center field to conclude the game. UVA completed the sweep with a final of 5-3.
VCU will play its next game against William & Mary University at The Diamond on March 3 at 1:30 p.m.