Bucs drop 16-1 decision to VMI in series opener

Justin Fyle had one of CSU's two hits

LEXINGTON, VA - Virginia Military Institute posted a nine spot in the third inning and cruised to a 16-1 Big South Conference victory over Charleston Southern on Friday afternoon at Patchin Field.

VMI improved to 16-5 overall and 1-0 in Big South play while the Buccaneers dropped their third straight, falling to 8-15 overall and 2-2 in conference play. The two teams play game two of the three-game series on Saturday at 2 pm.

Charleston Southern managed only two hits off VMI ace Troy Barham, who improved to 4-1 on the season with a complete game effort. CSU's Josh Evans (0-4) took the loss, allowing 11 runs (five earned) in five innings.

Justin Fyle had CSU's lone RBI, a single in the third inning. Wes Brundridge had CSU's other hit, a double in the sixth.

VMI's big inning in the third was aided by two CSU errors, two wild pitches and a hit batsman. The Bucs made three errors on the day.

Senior right-hander Ryan Sowers will get the start for the Bucs on Saturday. Sowers has won his last two starts and carries a 2-2 record into the contest.