NORFOLK, Va. - Two, six-run innings propelled the Old Dominion baseball team to a 17-2 victory over VMI (4-8, 0-0 SoCon) on Tuesday afternoon. With the Monarchs 15-run advantage over the Keydets, ODU recorded its largest margin of victory over an opponent since 2017 when the Monarchs defeated FIU, 21-1 at the Bud on May 13.
"Getting to the next most important thing is apart of mental toughness and the guys did a good job of that today," said head coach Chris Finwood after the win. "They came out ready to play, pitched really well, swung the bats great, defended really well. Tommy Bell made a number of really good plays at shortstop for us."
The Monarch offense sprinted out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, answering the VMI offense, who scored one of its two runs in the first inning. Matt Burch led off with a walk before advancing to second after a Keydet error, also placing Chris Dengler on first. Kyle Battle followed with a double to right field, sending Burch across to score. With runners on second and third, junior Matt Coutney lined two RBIs to plate Dengler and Battle, making it a 6-1 ballgame after one.
ODU picked up its offense in the second, tacking on six runs, which was highlighted by Battle's two-run dinger. Pinch hitter Jeff LaRosa also knocked in a run with his double to left field, which marked his first career RBI. The Monarchs exploded once again in the eighth, scoring six runs on four hits. Michael Marrale, Dominick Claxton, Ryan Teschko, and Tommy Bell all knocked in RBI hits in the eighth.
"It was a complete game and it was good to see Tommy Gertner and Johnny Wilson get out there. I thought all the guys threw the ball really well so I was happy with that."
Overall, nine Monarchs recorded multi-hit outings, highlighted by senior Battle's home run to total four hits for the Virginia native. The Monarchs used a combination of six pitchers to record its sixth game this season with three runs scored or less from its opponent. Making his second start of the season, Tommy Gertner picked up the win, working 3 innings, allowing two hits and racking up a trio of strikeouts.
Up Next
ODU will continue its home stand with a weekend series over Big Ten opponent Rutgers beginning on Friday, March 6.
For all of the latest news and information on Monarch Baseball, visit odusports.com/baseball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at Facebook.com/ODUBaseball, @ODUBaseball on Twitter and @monarch.baseball on Instagram.
Baseball Routs VMI, 17-2 in Midweek Game
