NORFOLK, Va. -- Four Old Dominion pitchers combined for a three-hit shutout and the Monarchs defeated VMI, 5-0, in midweek action on Wednesday afternoon at the Bud Metheny Complex.
Old Dominion (5-2) has now won four straight.
The shutout was ODU's second consecutive after the Monarchs topped Norfolk State, 11-0, on Tuesday. It marked the first time since April of 2017 that ODU has posted back-to-back shutouts.
Tommy Gertner, in his ODU debut, tossed three shutout innings with four strikeouts in an abbreviated start, as the southpaw continues to work his way back from injury.
Jim Fluke, Isaiah Nelson, who earned the win, and Connor Muly then combined to throw six innings of one-hit shutout relief. Overall, ODU pitchers struck out 14 and did not issue a walk.
In the last two games, Monarch pitchers have struck out 26, while allowing just eight hits and walking none.
Offensively, the Monarchs broke a 0-0 tie with a 4-run seventh inning, thanks to 2-RBI knocks from Matt Burch and Kyle Battle. ODU scored all five of its runs off of the VMI (2-8) bullpen.
QUOTABLES
"We pitched really well... We challenged the guys after Sunday, when we had 10 walks... It started with Gertner and I thought he was outstanding." - Chris Finwood, on pitching
"On a day where it was going to be a staff day, it couldn't have worked out any better in terms of how the guys made it happen for us." - Finwood, on the bullpen
"I felt pretty good. A little sore, but that was expected coming into my first start this year. I had great defense today." - Tommy Gertner, on his performance
Postgame Audio: Finwood | Gertner
PLAYER NOTES
- Tommy Gertner (3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K) made his first career start and appearance on the mound.
- Isaiah Nelson (W, 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) earned his first win since May of 2017.
- Michael Marrale (0-2, R, 2 BB) made his first career start at catcher.
- Matt Burch (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI) extended his season-opening hitting streak to seven with a 2-RBI double that broke a 0-0 tie in the seventh.
- Kyle Battle (3-5, 2B, 2 RBI) also extended his season-opening hit streak to seven.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs remain at home to host Rutgers for a three-game set this weekend at The Bud.
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