BOX SCORE (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel baseball team finished with a series victory over VMI with a 4-2 win in Sunday afternoon's rubber game at Joe Riley Park.

After splitting the first two games of the series, The Citadel (9-15, 2-1 SoCon) offense came through with four runs in the first three innings to take the only lead of the game. The pitching staff did the rest, shutting down the VMI bats by allowing just two runs on five hits.

Will Pillsbury pitched a career-high 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with no walks given up. The freshman struck out five batters and earned his first career win with his best start of the year.

Out of the bullpen, Jordan Buster, Marlin Morris and Aaron Lesiak kept the Keydets off the board over the final 3.2 innings. Lesiak posted his first save as a member of The Citadel, striking out four in 2.1 innings. Jordan Buster pitched a scoreless inning and Marlin Morris recorded an out.

The Bulldogs scored a run in the opening frame when Ben Peden drove home Clay Martin with a one-out sacrifice fly. Cole Buffington added a run in the second with an RBI single to score Taylor Cothran. In the third, the Bulldogs brought home two runs after loading the bases with no outs.

Jonathan Sabo and Peden each recorded two hits to pace the offense. Clay Martin extended his on-base streak to 14 games with a lead-off walk in the first inning.

The Citadel hosts South Carolina on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Joe Riley Park. The Bulldogs then continue SoCon action with a road series at Western Carolina beginning Friday.

Scoring Summary
Bottom 1st – The Citadel 1, VMI 0: Clay Martin scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Ben Peden with one out.
Bottom 2nd – The Citadel 2, VMI 0: Taylor Cothran scored on a single to right field by Cole Buffington with no outs.
Top 3rd – The Citadel 2, VMI 1: Jordan Ebersole scored on a single by Peyton Maddox with two outs.
Bottom 3rd – The Citadel 3, VMI 1: William Kinney scored on a double play with no outs.
Bottom 3rd – The Citadel 4, VMI 1: Jonathan Sabo scored on a single to shortstop by Barrett Charpia with two outs.
Top 4th – The Citadel 4, VMI 2: Ryan Smoot scored on a single by Jordan Ebersole with two outs.

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