Elon, N.C.- Starter Justin Mitrovich began his 2024 campaign with what could be the best start of his career, as the Elon Phoenix (1-0) ran away from the Navy Midshipmen (0-1) Friday night. Mitrovich tossed seven innings of two hit baseball while tying his career-high with nine strikeouts in Elon's 10-2 win over the Midshipmen.
 
The duo of Ryan Sprock and Charlie Granatell proved to be dynamic in the two-three hole, as the two combined for six hits, four runs scored and two extra-base hits. Both dazzled with the glove, making web-gem worthy plays with a diving stop at third by Sprock and a leaping catch to rob extra-bases from Granatell.
 
Redshirt-Freshman Vince Fattore became an immediate fan favorite when he lit up the Latham Park scoreboard with a seventh-inning grand slam that put the game out of reach. With one swing, Fattore secured his first collegiate hit and home run.
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• Mitrovich began the season just as he ended the last, by striking out batters. The right-hander struck out the side in the first inning, earning his first strikeouts of the season.
• Elon would provide some run support in the bottom half of the frame, with back-to-back hits from Charlie Granatell and Ryan Sprock. Sprock's double off the right-center field wall placing both in scoring position.
• Connor Offshack would waste little time with the first pitch he saw falling into right centerfield, scoring both Granatell and Sprock to give Elon a two-run lead.
• Both teams' bats would fall silent over the next few frames, with hits from James Broderick and Charlie Granatell only peppering the scoreboard for the Phoenix.
• In the Midshipmen side of the fifth inning, Mitrovich showed his class again by striking out a pair of hitters and retiring the side in order.
• The Midshipmen would put a run on the board with a solo home run from Eduardo Diaz which would prove to be the lone blemish on Mitrovich's card.
• Elon would answer the solo home run with a trio of runs in the bottom half of the inning. Tanner Holliman would capitalize on a bases loaded opportunity with a single through the right side to bring home a pair. Alex Duffey would add another run with an RBI single to increase Elon's advantage to 5-1.
• The Phoenix would blow the game open in the bottom of the seventh when Vince Fattore introduced himself to the Latham Park faithful with a grand slam to all but put the game out of reach.
• Elon would add another run in the bottom of the eighth following another Ryan Sprock double to give the Phoenix an even 10 runs on the night.
• Navy would add one more in the ninth inning off Ben Sieracki which limited the final deficit to eight as the Phoenix would close out Opening Day in style 10-2 winners.

 
NOTES AND STATS
 

• Justin Mitrovich got the start for the Phoenix. Mitrovich made the 14^th start of his career against the Midshipmen on Friday.
• Mitrovich faced the Midshipmen a season ago but did not start. Mitrovich now has thrown 10 innings against Navy and given up just just two runs and five hits while striking out 12 combined in those two outings.
• Ryan Sprock began his season with a hot start, going three-for-five with two doubles and an RBI. Sprock enters this season following an all-CAA Rookie Team selection and as a member of the preseason CAA Honorable mention for the 2024 season.
• Charlie Granatell also contributed a three-for-five night at the plate with a trio of singles. Graantell also flashed the leather with two put-outs and two runs scored.
• Vince Fattore started his season strong with a seventh inning grand-slam and becomes the first Phoenix this season with a four-RBI game.
• Both Tanner Holliman and Connor Offshack had two-RBI singles to give each a pair of RBIs.  
• Five different Phoenix registered an RBI with Fattore leading the way with four on the night.
• Elon put up ten runs on the board for the first time this season. Elon scored 10 or more 12 times last season.
• This is the most runs for the Phoenix on opening day since Elon scored 16 on Delaware State to begin the shorted 2020 season.
• The Phoenix is now 20-8 under Mike Kennedy in home openers.
• Elon is now 18-10 under Mike Kennedy in season openers with the Phoenix securing back-to-back Opening Day wins over Kentucky and now Navy.

 
UP NEXT
 

• The Phoenix will return to Latham Park for a Saturday matchup with Navy. First pitch time is scheduled for 2 P.M.