By Sam Armstrong

CROZET, Va. – The Southern Virginia University baseball team dropped a home game at Western Albemarle High School against No. 23 Christopher Newport on Wednesday, by a score of 15-0.

After two scoreless innings, the Captains (23-10, 13-0 CAC) exploded for five runs in the third inning, eight in the seventh, and added on two more in the final frame to shut out the Knights (9-13, 2-11 CAC).

Leadoff hitter Ryan Saunders reached base on three of his four plate appearances, hitting a single and drawing two walks, as well as stealing his eighth base of the season. Corner infielders Zach McNally and Austen Hammond each had singles of their own.

Starter Justin King took the loss for the Knights, lasting six innings while giving up nine earned runs and striking out seven. In the ninth inning with runners on second and third with no outs, Riley Daniels came on in relief and pitched his way out of the jam, allowing no runs.

The Knights look to bounce back on Saturday with a doubleheader against Marymount. The first game starts at 12:00 p.m. at Rockbridge County High School.