NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The fourth-ranked Christopher Newport Captains (3-0) pulled out a tight win against fifth-ranked SUNY Cortland (0-2) today, 7-6. Senior Matt Shoemaker blasted a three-run homer and Connor Madden added three hits and three RBI to lead the way.

Cortland State jumped on top early in the game, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Tim Panetta reached on a walk and came around to score on a Bryan Mistretta single to left center field.

The Captains tied things up in the third, when Madden singled home rookie DH Andy Viands. In the bottom of the fifth, sophomore Billy Steel walked and advanced to second on a single by Madden. That set up Shoemaker's big hit to give CNU a 4-1 lead.

SUNY Cortland answered right back, scoring four in the top of the sixth, taking advantage of three errors in the inning. Four singles from Zack Graczyk, pinch hitter James Quinn, Andrew Pezzuto and Panetta earned CNU starter Bryan Bierlein the hook, after five strong innings. The sophomore gave up just four hits and one earned in the first five innings.

Madden singled home two more runs in the bottom half to take the lead, 6-5, but the Red Dragons tied it up in the top of the 7th on reliever Matt Verdillo. Pinch hitter Anthony Brevetti singled to center field to plate Matt June.

In the bottom half of the seventh, Steven Lindemuth doubled to right center, Steven Keener walked and Ben Lenda was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Viands stepped in plated the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run with a fielders choice to the shortstop.

Verdillo pitched a perfect eighth to set up Ryan Fleischmann's second save of the season in the ninth. The junior right-hander struck out a pair in the ninth inning for his 10th career save. Verdillo picked up the win after two innings of relief.

CNU's scheduled game against Bridgewater on Sunday has been postponed due to inclement weather. The Captains will next be in action on Wednesday, February 22 at home against Va. Wesleyan.