The Virginia Wesleyan University baseball team (11-11, 3-5 ODAC) battled throughout the game but couldn't overcome a decisive middle innings surge, falling 5-2 to Mary Washington on the road.
On the mound, Brandon Drewry battled through three innings, allowing just two hits, but was hurt by defensive and situational breakdowns in the third. Will Turner and Mason Sylvest combined to keep the game within reach, limiting Mary Washington to two runs over the final five innings.
Offensively, Caccavaro led the way with two hits, while Tassone delivered a strong performance with a pair of hits and two RBI. Despite drawing five walks and creating multiple scoring chances, the Marlins left nine runners on base, a key factor in the outcome.
The Marlins showed early promise, putting traffic on the bases in both the first and third innings. In the opening frame, Jason Caccavaro laced a single to spark the offense, and in the third, Virginia Wesleyan threatened in a big way. Joshua Jones worked a walk, and Caccavaro followed with another base hit, eventually moving into scoring position with one out. Despite the pressure, the Marlins were unable to cash in, leaving two runners stranded and keeping the game scoreless.
That missed opportunity proved costly in the bottom half of the third. Mary Washington capitalized on to plate three runs.
Virginia Wesleyan answered in the fourth with a gritty, bases-loaded rally. Israel Dozier and Nathan Bryant each worked walks to set the table, and James Tassone delivered a single to load the bases. Bryce Folmar then stepped in and was hit by a pitch, forcing home a run and cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Mary Washington responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning to extend the lead to 4-1.
The Marlins chipped away again in the fifth. Nick Valentin reached on an error and moved into scoring position before Bryant singled to put runners on the corners. Tassone came through once more, lining an RBI single up the middle to make it 4-2.
The Eagles added an insurance run in the eighth to push the lead to 5-2.
