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CCSU’s complete game downs VMI Keydets, 3-1

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vmi_logo2The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils scored twice in the first inning and made it stand up behind a complete-game six-hitter by Matt Blandino as they defeated the VMI Keydets, 3-1, in non-conference baseball action Friday afternoon in Lexington, Va.

CCSU (2-4) scored twice in the first inning, thanks to a RBI single by Ian Glassman and a run-scoring groundout by Ryan Costello. That was all Blandino would need, as he gave up only a RBI groundout to freshman Matt Dunlevy and permitted just four Keydets (4-4) to reach scoring position in the complete game victory.

With the win, Blandino moved to 1-0 on the season after allowing just one walk and striking out seven in his 124-pitch effort. Andrew Woods (2-1) took the loss after giving up two runs in three innings of work.

After CCSU took the early lead, the Keydets responded in the second. Will Connerley blasted a leadoff triple and scored on a Dunlevy groundout, cutting the Blue Devil lead to 2-1.

In the top of the third, however, Connor Fitzsimmons led off with a groundout to shortstop Jacob Jaye on a play up the middle. Woods fell down delivering the pitch and was removed following the inning for precautionary reasons.

The Keydets could not score in the fifth, when David Geary led off with a single and was at second with two down, and CCSU failed to add on in the sixth with runners at the corners and two out.

VMI then threatened in the seventh, when Geary reached on an error and moved to third after Blandino threw wildly on a pickoff attempt. Pinch-hitter Colin Fleischer walked, but Will Malbon grounded out to retire the side.

CCSU added on in the ninth against the Keydet bullpen. Bryan Rivera singled off Micah Gorman to start the inning, and was bunted to second base. Fitzsimons struck out, but Glassman walked and Dominic Severino doubled in Rivera to make it a 3-1 contest and account for the final margin.

Geary went 2 for 3 to lead the VMI offense, while three players posted two-hit games for the Blue Devils.

VMI baseball will return to action Saturday, when the Keydets play host to Central Connecticut State at 6 p.m. With expected weather in Lexington, any updates or changes to the game time will be made available on VMIKeydets.com.

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