VALDOSTA, Ga. – In a battle of pitchers throughout the opening double header of a three game weekend series against West Alabama, the Valdosta State baseball team split with the Tigers (2-0, 0-1) at Billy Grant Field in Valdosta, Ga.
 
Valdosta State struck first in the contest when Kendall Herron reached by way of a Tiger error to lead off the top of the first inning. Herron stole second base later in the inning and moved up on a long foul out to right field off the bat of Luke Suchon. Tyler Homer, who had walked earlier in the half inning, drew a throw on a stolen base attempt, which allowed Herron to score before Homer was caught stealing in a rundown.
 
In the fifth, VSU added another on two hits, when Elias Macias doubled to right to lead off the inning, and Tyler Morris plated him two batters later with one of just four VSU hits in the game to put the Blazers up 2-0.
 
The pair of runs proved to be all that starter Hunter Jones would need, as the junior righty mowed down the Tigers throughout seven innings of work en route to his second win of the season. Roman Donofro joined Beau Blair during the final two innings, offering up one scoreless inning apiece to close out the contest and secure the 2-0 victory.
 
Game two's only run was an unearned tally that came after UWA's Nick Delgado singled to left center to drive in Josh Winningham, who reached earlier in the half inning on an error and advanced to third on a Joel Murphy single down the right field line.
 
The lone run spoiled a stellar pitching performance by Austin Hamilton, in which the junior dealt for seven full innings and allowed just four hits. UWA's Cole Waites was equally impressive, improving to 2-0 on the season following 6.2 innings of scoreless work.
 
The split moved VSU to 11-6 on the season, while the Tigers also slid to 11-6 overall. In GSC play, both teams moved to 5-3.
 
The weekend series will conclude on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Billy Grant Field.