MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- With a doubleheader sweep today over the College of Staten Island (1-4), the 25th ranked Captains of Christopher Newport University have matched the best start in program history, winning 12 of their first 13 games. CNU improves to 12-1 overall with the two wins, as the Captains won 10-5 in the first game, and 9-2 in the second.

Christopher Newport also went 12-1 to start the 1995 campaign. 

Senior right fielder Drue Vernon was impressive at the dish, going 7-for-10 in the two games combined. He drove in three runs in the second game on a 5-for-5 day at the plate. He and left fielder Connor Madden led the way, as Madden stayed hot with a 5-for-9 performance in the doubleheader.

In the first game, the Captains got multi-hit games from Vernon, Madden, as well as from second baseman Matt Shoemaker (3-for-4) and Luke Saunders (2-for-4). Saunders drilled his third home run of the season in support of CNU's pitching staff.

Tyler McElhenny started for CNU, going two innings before giving way to Richard Lindsay. Lindsay pitched five shutout innings, giving up just two hits and earned the win for the Captains.

In the second game, rookie Nick Santalucia made his first career start, going five innings and giving up just four hits for the win. Santalucia struck out six for CNU and held the Dolphins to just two runs scored. Kyle Harsanyi came on in relief, striking out three in two innings of work.

Vernon's three-RBI day led the way, while rookie Billy Steel added a pair of runs batted in on 1-for-2 from the plate. Designated hitter Christopher McDougal was 2-for-3 to round out the multi-hit games for CNU.

The Captains will return to action, wrapping up a seven-game road trip tomorrow, playing Alma College at Noon.