Bucs to Host VMI at CSU Ballpark This Weekend

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coming off of a thrilling 4-3 win over cross-town rival the College of Charleston, the CSU Buccaneers will host the VMI Keydets in a three-game Big South Conference series starting on Friday at 2 p.m.

Bucs & Keydets
The Bucs and the Keydets will meet for the 17th, 18th and 19th times in program history this weekend.  VMI hasthe series lead at 12-4.  The Keydets took two of three games in 2010, with the Bucs picking up a 1-0 win in the second game of the series.  VMI was ranked 28th in the country when the two teams faced each other last season but are not currently in the top 30. 

That Was a Good One...
CSU earned one of its biggest wins of the season on Wednesday night with a 4-3 come-from-behind win over cross-town rival the College of Charleston.   The win marked the Bucs’ first over the Cougars since February of 2007.   They split the series 1-1, coming up a run short in Tuesday’s game. 

20 Wins and Counting...
On April 13, the Buccaneers earned their 20th win of the season, once again showing the improvements head coach Stuart Lake has made in his three seasons at the helm of the Buccaneers.  CSU’s last 20 win season came in 2007, when they went 22-34 overall. 

Qualkinbush’s Quick Feet
Ben Qualkinbush has made seven appearances as a pinch runner for the Buccaneers this season and has been successful in his efforts, scoring seven runs.  Qualkinbush scored quite possibly the two biggest runs of his career vs. the College of Charleston.  In the first game at CSU Ballpark, Qualkinbush replaced Derek Smith on second base in the ninth inning and scored on a wild pitch to make it a one-run game.  However, the Bucs were unable to complete the comeback.  The next night at Patriots Point, Qualkinbush replaced Brian Welch at second base and was able to score the game-winning run on a COFC miscue to lead the Bucs past the Cougars 4-3. 

Witt’s Strong Effort
Matt Witt put on a solid performance on April 12 versus the College of Charleston.  Witt took the mound in the top of the sixth inning, and had one of his best efforts of the season.  He struck out a career-high five Cougar batters, throwing a career-high 3.1 innings.  Witt gave up two runs on three hits. 

Follow the Leader
Junior Charlie McCready has still not given up an earned run, lowering his ERA even further to a 0.24.  He has now taken sole possession of the nation’s best ERA.  McCready has not given up an earned run since March 9, 2011 and leads the Big South in ERA and appearances (19) while ranking second only to teammate Patrick Dolan in opposing BA (.185).  He pitched a season high five innings and had four strikeouts at Georgia.

Buccaneer Blast
- Nick Chinners had his sixth three-hit game of the season on April 13 versus the College of Charleston.
- Chinners was walked twice against the Cougars on April 12, marking the eighth time this season he has been walked at least twice.
- Blake Hunt tied his career and season highs with eight put outs against the Cougars, and also tied his season high with three assists. 
- Walt Quattlebaum hit his first home run of the season in April 12 vs. COFC, and tied his career/season high with three RBI
- RHP Tyler Vick got his first start of the season vs. COFC, pitching a season high 2.1 innings on April 12.

Game Links
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