Richmond, VA -- Senior outfielder John Kenny drove in three runs and Hofstra brought a lead into the seventh inning before falling to CAA-rival Virginia Commonwealth University, 10-8, at the Diamond Friday night.         

The Rams surged ahead thanks to a three-run seventh inning capped by Carlos Rodriguez's two-run double. VCU tacked on two runs in the eighth; holding off the Pride's comeback attempt that cut the lead to two thanks to runs in the top of the eighth and ninth innings.

Senior rightfielder Mark Stuckless continued his hot hitting atop Hofstra's lineup, going 3-6 with two RBIs and a run scored, though Hofstra saw its season-high three-game winning streak snapped. The Pride fell to 5-16 and 1-6 against the conference. VCU improved to 12-10 and 2-2.

Kenny helped the Pride jump to a 2-0 first-inning lead, singling through the right side to score senior Chris Mentrasti after junior Matt Prokopowicz scored on a fielding error one play earlier.  Mentrasti added a sacrifice fly in the third and Kenny lofted a run-scoring double to left center, sparking Hofstra's early offense.

But the Rams stormed back with two runs in the second and three in the third, with the latter coming via Justin Wright's three-home home run put VCU ahead, 5-4, entering the fourth. Hofstra would take one more lead, scoring twice in the sixth on a wild pitch and Kenny's sacrifice fly to go up by a run.

VCU countered by opening the seventh with a double and a hits batsman, setting up Rodriguez's two-bagger. Seth Cutler-Voltz held the Pride to just one run in 1 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, improving to 2-0. Kevin Rigopoulos pitched three innings in relief of Hofstra starter Brody Fontaine but still fell to 1-1 after giving up five runs (three earned) in facing 12 batters.

Hofstra will take on the Rams in the second of a three-game series Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.