NEWPORT NEWS, VA – FM's baseball team got their spring break off to a great start with a 9-5 win over Thomas Nelson CC on Sunday afternoon. Christian Maldonado pitched seven strong innings, and four Raiders had multi-hit games.

Photo:  Christian Maldonado pitching in the alumni game last fall

The weather was harsh and rain threatened, but the two teams were able to play a full seven-inning game. FM was to have played a second game on Sunday, versus Central Penn College, but that contest was rained out.

Thomas Nelson CC took the early lead with two runs in the second inning, but FM came back with three runs in the top of the third. Maldonado and the Raiders controlled the game from that point on.

Raider Christopher Rockefeller continued to hit at a torrid pace. The tall center fielder stroked two singles against the Gators. Rockefeller now has 12 hits in 18 at bats in this young season. His batting average is currently .667.

Photo:  Chris Rockefeller

Shortstop Gregory Ruddy, catcher Andrew Houser, and outfielder Alex Vickery also had two-hit games. James Waters and Shawn Strong belted RBI doubles.

Maldonado pitched a complete game. He struck out 11 batters while scattering four hits and walking just three Gators.

The Raiders will be back in action on Monday afternoon, taking on the junior varsity of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. The first pitch is set for 2:15 p.m. Playing conditions should be good as the forecast calls for 53 degrees under mostly sunny skies, with almost no chance of rain.

Schedule Changes

FM's northern schedule calls for games this coming weekend. However, as of Sunday afternoon the Raiders' home field still had a partial covering of snow and ice. It is likely that some of the upcoming games will be rescheduled due to weather and field conditions. This website will post all baseball and softball schedule changes as soon as they are known.

Fulton-Montgomery    003  002  4  9-12-2

Thomas Nelson CC      020  011  1   5-4-3

Winning Pitcher: Maldonado (1-1)

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