VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State baseball team took the final game of a three-game series, 8-5 to win the Gulf South Conference series with visiting Union University Monday afternoon.  VSU improved to 12-7 overall and 3-3 in GSC play, while Union fell to 7-9 and 1-5 in league play.
 
The Blazers scored runs in the fifth through eighth innings, including four runs in the seventh as VSU entered the frame leading 3-2.  In the pivotal frame, senior Matt Hathcock singled to center and junior Jowenrick Daantji stole second and third base, followed by a RBI single from senior DJ King.  A double steal put VSU back in business as junior Mike Christopoulos singled home two more runs for a 7-2 lead
 
VSU added another run in the eighth, but Union wouldn't go quietly, however, as it plated three runs in the top of the ninth on a single, walk single and RBI single.  Josh Frantz double down the left field line for two more runs, but VSU junior Trevin Eubanks got out of the inning with a pair of strikeouts for the victory.
 
VSU tallied eight runs on 11 hits and two errors, while Union had five runs on ten hits with one error. 
 
The Blazers began the scoring in the first inning as King singled home senior Josh Broughton, who doubled with two out for a 1-0 lead.  Union tied the game in the fourth on a Caleb DeManigny single through the left side.
 
VSU took the lead, once again, in the fifth as Daantji tallied a run on a ground out, but the Bulldogs had the answer in the sixth with a bases loaded walk.  The Bulldogs had a great chance for more in the frame, VSU clamped down and Union left the bags full.
 
Blazer senior Andrew Williamson singled up the middle following an error in the bottom of the sixth, plating an unearned run for a 3-2 lead, prior to the big outburst in the seventh from VSU.
 
For the game, VSU starter Tristan Cone went five innings, but didn't factor into the decision as he went five innings, allowing six hits, two earned runs, walked one and fanned seven.  Junior Sean Gabel (2-0) took the win in 2.1 innings, allowing one hit, walking three and fanning two.  Eubanks went the final 1.2 innings, allowing three hits, three earned runs, walked one and fanned three.
 
Daantiji, Christopoulos and King all had two RBI each in the game, while Daantij, King and Williamson each had two hits for the Blazers. 
 
VSU returns to action on Wednesday at 5 p.m., versus Brewton-Parker in a non-conference game at Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park.