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ETTRUCK, Va. -- The fourth-ranked Christopher Newport Captains (15-3) fell behind, 3-1, to NCAA Division II opponent Virginia State University today, but rallied with eight unanswered run for a road win, 9-3, over the Trojans. Sophomore shortstop Billy Steel drove in three and senior Luke Saunders finished with three hits to lead the way.

Sophomore lefty Nick Santalucia started for the Captains, giving up three runs on six hits in five innings of work. He struck out six and walked a pair en route to his second win of the year.

The Captains scored three in the top of the sixth to take the lead, 4-3, and didn't look back. The CNU bullpen didn't give up a hit in four innings of work, striking out six in relief of Santalucia. Richard Lindsay allowed just one walk in two innings, striking out three, followed by Matt Verdillo and Ryan Fleischmann with two clean innings to end the game.

Offensively, the Captains used small ball for the three-run sixth. After designated hitter Chris McDougal walked to lead off, senior Ben Lenda singled to put two on with nobody out. Rookie Preston Grissom laid down a sacrifice bunt, setting up an RBI single by Connor Madden. A wild pitch scored Lenda and a ground ball from Steel plated Madden.

CNU scored one in the seventh and two in the eighth and ninth innings for the final score, 9-3. Steven Lindemuth and Steven Keener put together back-to-back extra base hits in the seventh for a run as Keener's RBI double scored Lindemuth after a triple.

Madden finished 2-6 at the plate with two runs scored and two runs batted in, while Steel was 1-5 with three RBI. Saunders was 3-4 while Lenda and McDougal each scored twice.

The Captains return to action this weekend with a road trip to Ferrum College for a USA South set against the Panthers. First pitch on Saturday, March 17 is set for 7:00 pm.