WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In its first ever game as the #1 team in the country,  Christopher Newport University (36-4) blasted a pair of home runs and held off a late rally to win, 9-6, at Gallaudet University (15-21). Connor Madden hit his team-leading eighth homer, a three-run shot that was part of a 3-for-5 performance to lead the Captains offense past the Bison. 

The CNU offense wasted little time in today's game, scoring eight runs in the first three innings. Rookie Billy Steel, fresh off his USA South Tournament MVP weekend, walked and scored on a Steven Lindemuth single in the first. Matt Shoemaker followed with an RBI single of his own, plating Luke Saunders. 

In the second, Shannon Mark reached with a two-out single, bringing up Steel for his second plate appearance. The rookie shortstop stepped in and blasted a two-run homer to give the Captains a 4-0 lead. That lead would double in the third inning after a Steven Keener RBI double was followed up by Madden's three-run home run. All eight runs came against Gallaudet starter Layton Seeber. 

The Bison cut into the lead with one run each in the third, fourth and fifth innings. William Bissell had an RBI walk, Jordan Walters an RBI single and Bissell had a solo homer, respectively.

Captains starter Tyler McElhenny threw six strong, giving up just two earned runs with five strikeouts. He gave way to senior Kyle Harsanyi, who went two scoreless with four strikeouts. 

Gallaudet would score three more in the ninth before sophomore Richard Lindsay settled in and struck out two of the last three batters to seal the win. McElhenny improves to 3-0 this season. The Captains offense was led by Madden's 3-for-5 performance with the three-run home run, one run scored and a stolen base. Steel was 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. Lindemuth was 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.

The Bison were led by Bissell, 3-for-4 with three RBI and a pair of runs scored. Zane Noschese also had three hits in the game while Seeber and Walters each had a pair. 

CNU returns to action tomorrow at the Apprentice School at 4:00 pm.