Vinci Homers, VCU Takes Series Opener

Friday, March 15

Richmond, Va.

3:00 PM

Princeton University

3-10

VCU

12-5

Princeton

VCU

Centerfielder Matt Scannell had two hits in Friday's game.

Photo by: Brian McWalters

March 15, 2024 | Baseball

Box Score

Kyle Vinci hit his second home run of the season and 24th of his career to move within two of tying the Princeton career record as the Tiger baseball team fell 11-7 on Friday in its first of a four-game weekend series at VCU in Richmond, Va.

VCU opened with three in the first inning, and though Princeton tied it with three in the second in a frame that saw the Tigers get four hits and a walk, VCU added four in the bottom half to pull ahead 7-3 after two. Jay Mentink had a two-run single in the second and Caden Shapiro brought in another run with a sacrifice fly.

VCU added to its lead with two in the fourth, one in the fifth and another in the sixth to lead 11-3, but Princeton pulled within 11-6 in the seventh. A hit batter, a Shapiro single and a walk loaded the bases before Matt Scannell, who led off the inning with the HBP, came home on a wild pitch. Vinci brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and Jake Kernodle picked up a two-out single for the Tigers' sixth run of the day.

Vinci added his solo homer in the ninth. Scannell and Mentink had two hits apiece on the day while Vinci and Mentink each drove in a pair of runs.

Highlights from today's game! pic.twitter.com/pe1SORpnhp
— Princeton Baseball (@PUTigerBaseball) March 15, 2024

Will Sword and Andrew D'Alessio split time on the hill, with Sword going the first 3 1/3 innings and D'Alessio finishing it up. D'Alessio finished with two runs allowed, one earned, on three hits and two walks, fanning three.

The Tigers and Rams will get together again on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.