Mercer swept both ends of a Southern Conference doubleheader at VMI Thursday by scores of 2-1 and 3-0. The pitchers from both teams were effective, allowing just 21 hits in 18 innings combined.
Game 1: Mercer 2, VMI 1
An RBI single from Callen Nuccio brought home Cody Warner for a VMI 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Mercer’s Kel Johnson hit a two-run homer in the top of the fourth to give the Bears a 2-1 edge and end the scoring.
VMI junior right-hander Jacob Menders was the tough-luck loser, tossing eight innings of two-run ball, allowing just five hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Mercer starter Sawyer Gipson-Long earned the win after working six innings, giving up four hits and no walks with six strikeouts. Scott Smith picked up the save after three scoreless frames.
Warner went 2-2, with a double and a walk for the Keydets. Will Knight was 1-3 with a walk.
Game 2: Mercer 3, VMI 0
The Keydets left seven runners on base in the nightcap and two Mercer relievers combined for three innings of hitless work. Angelo DiSpigna hit a solo home run for Mercer in the top of the fourth and the Bears added two insurance runs in the ninth.
Adam Jewell started game two for VMI and allowed only three hits and no walks with four strikeouts over five innings. Derek Tremblay and Nathan Light combined for three innings out of the bullpen and didn’t allow a hit.
Nuccio had two hits for the Keydets (10-29/5-9 SoCon), including a double and also stole a base. Ryan Smoot had a hit and drew a walk.
Kevin Coulter earned the win for Mercer (19-20/7-7 SoCon), throwing six scoreless innings and scattering five hits and a walk.
The series finale is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m., weather permitting.
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Chris Graham
