CLEVELAND, Miss – The Valdosta State Blazers defeated the #12 Delta State Statesmen by a final of 7-5 Saturday afternoon to salvage the series. VSU improved to 14-12 overall and 10-4 in GSC play while Delta State dropped to 19-6 overall and 12-3 in the GSC.
This is the first ranked win by the Blazers this season as they improved to 1-2 against ranked opponents this season. Delta State is currently sitting in first place in the GSC after this weekend as Valdosta State dropped to three following two losses. West Florida is currently one game up on VSU with a record of 11-3 in the GSC.
Valdosta State outhit Delta State 12 to ten today while DSU committed three errors to VSU's one. The Blazers jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the top of the fifth as the Statesmen battled back to a two run game in the bottom of the eighth but couldn't muster together and production to drop game three.
Drake LaRoche had another strong outing for VSU as he improved to 4-1 on the season as he went 7.0 innings and only allowed two runs on eight hits and three strikeouts. Out of relief in the bullpen,
Ryan Brown came in with the bases loaded and one out and was able to get out of jam with minimal damage done as he then pitched in the bottom of the ninth and went to work.
At the plate,
Farid Eljaiek recorded his second three hit game of the season as he went 3-5 at the dish and drove in a season high two runners on a 2RBI single in the top of the fifth.
Hunter Stowe hit his sixth home run in the top of the first as he now has a total of six on the season as he is approaching his total from last season as he hit eight.
DJ Banks improved his on base streak to a perfect 26 games as he went 2-5 at the plate while playing second. After starting the season slow, leadoff hitter
Pedro Moreno has really started to put together some strong performances as the SS went 2-4 with a walk, stolen base, and run scored as he is putting pressure on the opposition while getting on base.
Valdosta State is now coming back home for an eight game homestand across 11 days as they host Columbus State on Tuesday, Mar. 18 at 5 p.m. followed by Montevallo next weekend starting on Friday, Mar. 21 at 5 p.m.
