The Virginia Wesleyan University baseball team (10-8, 2-3 ODAC) came out with energy, using a big second inning to take an early lead, but Randolph-Macon College answered with consistent offense to pull away for a 13-3 result.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first, the Marlins responded in the second with a three-run frame fueled by patience and pressure on the basepaths. Nathan Bryant worked a walk to start things, and Joshua Jones followed with a single to put two on. A pair of defensive miscues by Randolph-Macon opened the door, allowing Bryant to score before Marcell Whitfield drove in a run on a fielder's choice. Nick Valentin delivered the big hit of the inning, lining a two-run single to left to give VWU a 3-2 advantage.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Randolph-Macon answered with three runs in the bottom of the third to reclaim control, stringing together timely hits to go back in front, 5-3. From there, the Yellow Jackets continued to add on, scoring four in the fifth and tacking on insurance runs late.
Despite the final score, the Marlins showed flashes offensively, totaling eight hits on the day. Israel Dozier and Joshua Jones each recorded multi-hit performances, while Valentin led the team with two RBIs. The Marlins also stayed aggressive on the bases, swiping three bags in the contest.
On the mound, Jacob Lawerence got the start and battled through three innings, while Matthew Weber and Will Payne combined to finish the game in relief.
