In a back-and-forth slugfest that saw both teams trade heavy blows early, Old Dominion (7-4) proved it has plenty of heart, rallying from a late deficit to secure a gritty 12-10 win at VCU on Wednesday afternoon. After a rough weekend, the Monarchs found their rhythm at the plate, tallying 16 hits to snap their short skid and secure their second road win of the season.
Game Recap: The Diamond Duel
The contest was a 3-hour, 38-minute marathon that lived up to the Commonwealth rivalry. Both teams combined for a staggering 27 hits and 22 runs, but it was ODU's execution in the final two frames that tipped the scales.
Early Fireworks
ODU jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first, fueled by a TJ Aiken triple and a Zach Leite RBI single. However, VCU responded immediately with two home runs in the bottom of the frame to lead 3-2. The teams continued to trade runs through the first three innings, heading into the fourth tied at 6-6.
The Middle Inning Struggle
The Rams appeared to take control in the middle innings, capitalizing on a Monarch error and timely hitting to build a 10-6 lead by the end of the fifth. While ODU chipped away with two runs in the sixth—aided by a VCU throwing error—they still trailed 10-8 entering the final stretch.
The Late Surge
The comeback began in earnest in the top of the eighth when Macaddin Dye launched his first home run as a Monarch to pull within one. In the ninth, the Monarchs loaded the bases after Will Johnson led off with a single. A high-pressure fielder's choice by Maverick Stallings coupled with a VCU throwing error allowed both the tying and go-ahead runs to cross the plate. Dye added a final insurance run with a sacrifice fly to right field, and Bailey Matela retired six straight to seal the victory.
Top Performers & Game Leaders
| Player | Game Highlights | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Will Johnson | The offensive engine; finished a triple shy of the cycle. | 4-for-5, 2B, 2 Runs, 1 RBI |
| Zach Leite | Reached base four times and scored three runs. | 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 BB |
| Macaddin Dye | Sparked the late rally with his first ODU homer. | 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, 1 SF |
| Bailey Matela | Shut the door with two perfect innings of relief. | 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K (Win) |
| Tyler Zedalis | Provided early power with a two-run shot. | 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI |
Interesting Game Stats
- Bullpen Backbone: After a shaky start, Ben Tanton and Bailey Matela combined for four shutout innings to end the game, allowing zero hits to the Rams' offense.
- Slugging in the Capital: The two teams combined for six home runs—two for ODU and a season-high four for VCU.
- Triple Threat: TJ Aiken led off the game with a triple, marking his second of the young season.
- Resilience: The win marked ODU's second comeback victory where they trailed after seven innings this season.
What’s Next?
The Monarchs (7-4) return home to the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex for a three-game weekend set against UConn. Due to weather considerations, ODU has announced updated start times, with a Friday doubleheader now scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM EST.