May 22, 2003

Charleston, SC - VMI's Jason Annis singled in B.T. Good in the bottom of the ninth to break a 1-1 tie to eliminate The Citadel from the 2003 Southern Conference Tournament 2-1. The two-game elimination in the Southern Conference tournament was the first time since 1991 The Citadel was eliminated in two games.

The Citadel (32-25) broke the scoreless tie in the top of the seventh on a RBI-single by Jon Aughey. With two outs, Aughey singled through the right side driving in Josh Stackley from second. Stackley, who moved into scoring position on Jason Randall's sacrifice bunt, singled to center to lead off the inning.

"If we want to win close game, we'll have to play better in all aspects of the game," stated Citadel coach Fred Jordan. "The league has improved tremendously and this game is proof of that."

VMI (23-27) tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom half of the seventh as Jon Wade singled home Allan Wimmer. Wimmer, who singled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on Justin Briggs single to right. Citadel closer Shannon Sprouse came on in relief with one out in the seventh striking out Ben Rand and Jason Annis to end the inning with runners on first and second.

In the ninth, the Keydets loaded the bases on an intentional walk after a single and a base on balls. Annis then singled past a diving Chip Cannon to drive-in the winning run. Good, who pinch ran for Justin Briggs, moved to third on the intentional pass.

Phil Hendrix (7-4) pitched a complete game scattering seven hits and allowing only one run to earn his seventh win of the season and advance VMI to the third day of the SoCon tourney. Shannon Sprouse (5-4), who gave up the game-winning hit, took the loss for the Bulldogs.

With the victory, VMI advances to game nine of the Southern Conference tournament against the loser of game seven which pits Furman versus Western Carolina.