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VMI comes up short in series finale at UNC Greensboro

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vmiThe UNCG Spartans scored the final six runs of the game, en route to a 6-1 win over the VMI Keydets in the finale of a three-game SoCon series contested Sunday in Greensboro, N.C. With the win, UNCG completed a three-game sweep.

VMI (15-17, 1-5 SoCon) held a 1-0 lead headed to the bottom of the fourth, but UNCG (23-6, 3-0) batted around in the frame. A two-run single by catcher Jake Kush and a RBI double by Michael Goss were the key blows in a four-run frame that gave the home team the lead for good.

The Keydets then loaded the bases in the fifth, but Andrew Wantz relieved starter Matt Frisbee and struck out the side to preserve the 4-1 margin. UNCG then added single runs in the fifth and seventh to account for the final margin.

The winning pitcher was Wantz, who did not allow a hit in 2 2/3 innings of relief to move to 5-0. He struck out five and walked two, and in five innings of relief in the series, allowed no runs on one hit and 11 strikeouts. Josh Winder gave up five runs in six innings and fell to 3-3 with the loss.

VMI jumped ahead in the fourth, when Matt Pita tripled off the center field wall with two outs. Will Malbon promptly doubled him home to give VMI a 1-0 lead for the third straight game, but UNCG batted around in the bottom of the frame to take the lead for good.

After Wantz fanned the side with the bases loaded, UNCG added a run in the bottom of the fifth. Dillon Stewart doubled with two outs and Ryne Sigmon singled him to make it 5-1.

A single for Stewart in the seventh plated L.J. Kalawaia with the game’s final run, but the Keydets managed one final threat. VMI loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth, but Nathan Eaton grounded to short to end the inning and VMI’s final threat.

Offensively, the Keydets were led by Pita, who went 2 for 3 with a double and a triple. Five different UNCG players had two hits apiece.

VMI baseball will return to action Tuesday, when the Keydets travel to Radford to face the Radford Highlanders. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

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