VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State (11-15) used a strong combined pitching performance and timely hitting to earn a 4-0 shutout victory over Saint Leo (12-11) Wednesday afternoon at Billy Grant Field. The win was the fourth in a row for the Blazers.

The Blazers broke through in the fourth inning, plating three runs to take control early before adding an insurance run in the eighth. Valdosta State's pitching staff handled the rest, holding a potent Saint Leo lineup scoreless on the day.

Senior Brent Howard led the way offensively, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run to start the scoring along with a walk and stolen base. Junior Charlie Banks and sophomore Parker Ladd each added hits, with Ladd driving in a run, while junior Jason Mack contributed an RBI via sacrifice fly and senior Will Beckham added a sacrifice bunt. 

On the mound, graduate Trey Jackson earned the win behind six shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six batters. Senior Vinny Del Negro, junior Hayden Sottile, and senior Keaton Fuller combined to close out the final three innings, allowing only four hits and no runs to secure the shutout victory.

Saint Leo was led by Camdin Jansen, Thomas DeBrower, and Abrahan Rios, who each recorded hits, but the Lions were unable to capitalize offensively, leaving 10 runners on base in the loss.

Looking Forward 

Valdosta State returns to action this weekend, traveling to take on Montevallo (10-17, 4-11 GSC) beginning Friday at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at 12 p.m.

Find live stats, written coverage, streaming links, and more on vstateblazers.com and follow @VState_Blazers as well as @VState_Baseball to stay up to date with the team throughout the season.