BOX SCORE (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel baseball team could not muster a run in extra innings as they fell 4-1 against VMI in 12 innings Saturday at Joe Riley Park.

Both teams finished with seven hits apiece, but the Bulldogs (8-15, 1-1 SoCon) had 14 extra base runners by way of walks and hit-by-pitches. The Citadel left 19 runners on base in the loss.

The Keydets scored three runs in the top of the 12th after a two-out double by Michael Diodato brought home two. Diodato later scored on an error to give VMI a three-run lead heading to the bottom half.

In his best start of his young career, Will Abbott allowed just one run over six solid innings. The freshman struck out five and did not allow a free pass in the no-decision.  

The bullpen pitched well after Abbott exited, allowing just the three runs over the following six innings. Jordan Buster struck out two in 1.2 innings, while Marlin Morris and Aaron Lesiak each recorded two outs.

Thomas Byelick was saddled with the loss despite pitching well over 2.2 innings in extras, striking out six Keydet hitters. Ryan Stamler recorded the final out via strikeout in the 12th. The Bulldog pitching staff finished with 16 strikeouts just a day after JP Sears struck out 20.

Jonathan Sabo led the offense with a 2-for-4 game, an RBI and two walks. Sabo was intentionally walked in the ninth and 11th innings after hitting the ball hard in all four at-bats previously. Clay Martin finished 2-for-3 with three more walks and now has 25 free passes on the season to lead the SoCon.

The Citadel wraps-up its series with VMI on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Joe Riley Park. Live statistics and video will be available at CitadelSports.com.

Scoring Summary
Top 2nd – VMI 1, The Citadel 0: Peyton Maddox scored on a double to left-center field by Jake Huggins with no outs.
Bottom 3rd – The Citadel 1, VMI 1: J.D. Davis scored on a single to right field by Jonathan Sabo with one out.
Top 12th – VMI 3, The Citadel 1: Mason Adamson and Ryan Smoot scored on a double to center field by Michael Diodato with two outs.
Top 12th – VMI 4, The Citadel 1: Michael Diadato scored on an error on a pickoff attempt with two outs.

For more information on The Citadel baseball follow @CitadelBaseball or visit CitadelSports.com.