FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Valdosta State baseball team dropped a 13-3 decision at Nova Southeastern Friday evening. The Blazers fell to 2-2 on the season and the Sharks improved to 4-0.
 
The Blazers started the game off strong in the first inning and scored two runs from a two-run home run by junior EJ Doskow for the early lead.  It was Doskow's team-leading second home run of the season.
 
Nova Southeastern scored its first run of the game in the second inning, helped out by a miscue by the Blazers. The Sharks left the bags full in the second inning, but plated four runs in the third inning, highlighted by a three RBI double down the left field line as an error also factored into the inning.  Had the miscue not occurred, VSU would've gotten out of the inning in order.  The Sharks added another run in the fifth for a 6-2 lead.  
 
VSU graduate student Mike Christopoulos doubled home a run in the top of the sixth for a 6-3 score, but the Sharks scored four runs in the bottom of the inning for a 10-3 lead.  NSU added a run in the seventh and two in the eighth for a 13-3 lead.  
 
Defensively, five errors proved costly for VSU leading to eight unearned runs for the game.  VSU had three runs on four hits and the five miscues, while NSU scored 13 runs on 15 hits with two errors.  
 
Christopoulos went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a walk to lead the team, while Doskow was 1 for 3 with two runs scored and two RBI.  Senior Elijah Gill (1-1) started on the hill for the Blazers going four innings, allowing seven hits, six runs – one earned, walked three and fanned four in 102 pitches.  NSU's Matt Kavanaugh (1-0) took the win in five innings of work, allowing two hits, two unearned runs, walked one and fanned four.  
 
The Blazers continue on the road this weekend as they face Barry on Saturday, Feb.12, at 1 p.m., in Miami Shores, Fla., and Lynn on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 12 p.m., in Boca Raton, Fla. Valdosta State will then open the 2022 home slate on Feb. 16 at 5 p.m., at Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park against Saint Leo. 
 
Check back with vstateblazers.com throughout the season for more information on Blazer baseball.