News Summary
Old Dominion University’s baseball team triumphed with an 8-2 victory against Marshall in a crucial Sun Belt Conference match. Pitcher Blake Morgan excelled, completing the game with 112 pitches and striking out seven batters. The Monarchs showcased offensive prowess with key performances from Kyle Edwards and Maverick Stallings. The win improves Old Dominion’s record to 17-26 and highlights their dominance over Marshall in the all-time series. Looking ahead, they aim to continue this momentum in their next game against VCU.
Norfolk, Virginia – Old Dominion University’s baseball team secured an 8-2 victory over Marshall on Sunday, clinching the rubber match of their Sun Belt Conference series at War Memorial Stadium. The Monarchs’ win improves their overall record to 17-26 and their conference standing to 12-12, while the Thundering Herd falls to 25-24 and 10-14 in league play.
The game was characterized by a stellar performance from Old Dominion pitcher Blake Morgan, who completed the game with a total of 112 pitches, 77 of which were strikes. Morgan faced 34 batters, allowing just two runs on seven hits and two walks. He struck out seven Marshall hitters and notably retired 12 consecutive batters during the game, including a perfect three-up, three-down sequence in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings.
The Monarchs found themselves in a tight contest through the first six innings, leading by a narrow margin of 3-2. Marshall initially scored two runs in the first inning, first through a walk drawn by Jackson Halter followed by a home run from Maika Niu. Old Dominion responded quickly, scoring in the second inning and tying the game in the third after Marshall pitcher Fenix DiGiacomo committed a balk. From there, Old Dominion gained momentum.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Maverick Stallings kicked off a rally with a hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch. A subsequent double hit by Kyle Edwards brought Stallings home, extending the Monarchs’ lead to 4-2. Edwards later stole third base and crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice hit by Tahraun Hammond, further widening the lead.
Old Dominion’s offense exploded in the eighth inning, where they added three more runs. In this inning, Stallings contributed with another double, and Edwards followed suit, hitting another double that drove in two more runs. The Monarchs closed the game well, turning a crucial 5-4-3 double play in the top of the ninth to secure the victory.
The win marks the first nine-inning complete game for Old Dominion since May 12, 2018. Morgan’s impressive outing solidifies his role as a key player for the Monarchs as they move deeper into their season.
Significant contributions to the victory also came from Old Dominion’s players: Kyle Edwards recorded two doubles, three RBIs, and one run scored, while Maverick Stallings tallied a double, three runs, and an RBI, and Leite scored two runs during the game. With this victory, Old Dominion now holds a 23-11 advantage in the all-time series against Marshall.
Looking ahead, Old Dominion’s next game is scheduled to take place against VCU in Richmond, Virginia, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, as they aim to build on their recent success and improve their overall standings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ODU Sports: Baseball Bounces Back with Win Over Marshall
- Wikipedia: Old Dominion Monarchs Baseball
- HerdZone: Marshall Baseball Continues Season at Old Dominion
- Google Search: Marshall Baseball
- HerdZone: Marshall Drops Tight Contest at Old Dominion
- Google Scholar: Sun Belt Conference Baseball
- ODU Sports: Monarchs Fall in Series Opener vs. Marshall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- HerdZone: Herd Baseball Falls in Series Finale at ODU
- Google News: Old Dominion University Baseball
