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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Christopher Newport University got a grand slam from junior Connor Madden in the bottom of the fifth inning to break open a one-run game, and went on to drop Randolph-Macon (2-2) in a 12-3 final. The Captains improve to 3-1 this season, led by junior Ben Lenda (2-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI) and sophomore starter Greg Goldsmith (6.0 ip, 5 hits, 8 K).

The Captains found themselves in an early 1-0 hole as Brian Jordan led off the game with a home run to right center. Goldsmith settled in following the blast, though, retiring the next three batters, including a pair of K's.

CNU answered the first chance they could as Lenda drove in Drue Vernon with an RBI double in the bottom half of the inning. The Captains took its first lead of the game two innings later and Lenda put the Captains on top with a three-run home run over the left field wall.

Randolph-Macon would chip back into the lead in the top of the fourth, scoring two after getting a leadoff double from second baseman Greg Mitro. After the second run scored on a groundout to the shortstop, Goldsmith again struck out two batters to get out of the jam.

Then, in the fifth inning, the Captains broke the game wide open. With the score 4-3 entering the bottom half, Randolph-Macon pitcher Carlos Perez hit three of the first four Captains to load the bases. Chris McDougal grounded a single through the left side to score one, followed by an RBI single up the middle from rookie Billy Steel. Then, Madden stepped in and slammed a no-doubter over the left field wall to give the Captains a 10-3 lead.

CNU would tack on two more in the seventh inning for the final, 12-3. Goldsmith, in his first career start, pitched a solid game going six innings and allowing just two earned runs with eight strikeouts. Ryan Fleishmann and William Saunders came on in relief, pitching three scoreless innings allowing just two hits.

Madden had five RBI in the game, going 1-for-5 with the grand slam. Lenda was 2-for-4 with four RBI, a double and home run, while Steel was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.

Jay Lichter led the way for the Yellow Jackets, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Captains return to action this Saturday, as they host #2 Cortland State at 10:00 am.