RICHMOND, Va. – The Fairfield University Baseball team rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh inning, highlighted by a
Mike Becchetti go-ahead two RBI single, to take a 5-2 victory over the VCU Rams in the nightcap to split a doubleheader on Sunday. Becchetti's clutch hit capped a three-hit day for the senior while three Stag pitchers combined for a three-hit outing, The Stags would rebound after taking a 9-3 loss in the opener.
"McVeigh kept us close with some big pitches in counts and stranded runners in scoring position more than once," Head Coach
Bill Currier said. "Bo Baker pitched solid innings in relief all weekend. Becchetti had a very nice weekend with clutch hitting and solid defense. Hibbard big leadoff hit in seventh to start off the comeback."
Game One: VCU 9 | Fairfield 3
VCU scored the first nine runs of the game, capped off by a Brandon Eike third inning grand slam. The Stags would gain some momentum with a run in the fifth and a pair in the sixth.
Noah Lucier put the Stags on the board with a RBI double to left center.
Matt Bergevin completed the scoring by bringing home two runs with a single.
Griffin Watson led the Stags with a pair of hits in the opener, and also scored a run in the sixth.
Ryan Smith and
Bo Buckley combined for two hitless innings to end the game after the Rams scored five times in the fourth.
Game Two: Fairfield 5 | VCU 2
The Stags brought nine men to the plate while scoring four runs in the top of the seventh, to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 advantage.
Ethan Hibbard and
Nick Sturino both singled after pinch hitting to lead off the inning.
Mike Handal would work a walk to load the bases with nobody out. Watson would tie the game as he was hit by a pitch, forcing in the tying run. Becchetti would follow with a hard-hit ball up the middle, breaking the tie as two runners crossed the plate.
Charlie Pagliarini completed the scoring with a RBI fielder's choice.
Bowen Baker would enter and work a perfect ninth inning for his first career save.
Jack Erbeck was credited with the win after tossing a scoreless sixth.
Colin McVeigh had his second-straight impressive start as he struck out six in five innings.
Becchetti was the lone Stag with multiple hits as he tallied three of the team's seven base knocks.
Fairfield will now turn their attention to their southern trip as they play five games in the state of Florida, starting with a three-game series at North Florida on Friday at 6:05pm.
