Farmville, VA - The Villa Julie Baseball team opened up their season on the road with a double header against Hampden-Sydney. The Mustangs won the first game 8-6 but fell in the second 2-1.

In game 1 of the double header, the Mustangs got off to a slow start as they played for the first time together this season. The defense was shaky as they made 4 errors in the first 3 innings, and struckout 6 times in their first 5 innings. Hampden-Sydney built a 3 nothing lead until the 6th when the Mustangs exploded for 4 runs fueled by a 2 run double by Senior Jimmy Smith. They tacked on 4 more runs in the 7th aided by a 2 run double from Sophomore George Papuchis. Going into the bottom of the 7th, the Mustangs led 8-3. The Tigers mounted a comeback as they scored 3 runs in the 7th only to see the Mustangs Closer Senior Alex Laddbush get the last out of the game to secure his first save of the season. Junior Wade Keenan picked up the victory, throwing 6 2/3 innings while striking out 5. Papuchis finished 3 for 3 with 4 RBI's, while Smith added 2 RBI's while going 2-3. Junior Brett Steele chipped in with 2 hits as well.

Game 2 started much the same as game one with Villa making 2 errors in the first inning which led to 2 Hampden-Sydney unearned runs. Senior Buddy Breidenbaugh, did not let the Tigers threaten again for the rest of the game as he pitched 6 innings allowing just 3 hits and 0 earned runs. Unfortunately, the Mustangs could only muster 1 run on the game, and squandered a terrific pitching performance. Villa out-hit the Tigers by a 9-3 margin, but couldn't finish the game and dropped a tight 2-1 decision. Junior Griffin Stewart picked up 3 hits, and Freshman Kyle Van Beek, picked up the lone RBI during the game.

The Mustangs are off until next weekend when they play tough USA South foe, Christopher Newport, and ODAC foe, Bridgewater College, at CNU in Virginia Beach at 12pm and 3pm on Saturday 23rd February.