MONTEVALLO, Ala. - Valdosta State (11-16, 8-8 GSC) fell 9-5 in the series opener to Montevallo (11-17, 5-11 GSC) Friday evening at Bob Riesener Stadium.

Montevallo struck early with a four-run first inning and never gave up the lead, adding insurance runs throughout the game to hold off a late push from the Blazers.

Valdosta State found firepower in the later innings, scoring once in the seventh before plating three runs in the eighth and another in the ninth. Junior Charlie Banks highlighted the offensive effort with a three-run home run, while junior Luke Flading added a two-run shot as part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Junior Matt Keller also contributed with a hit and two runs scored, while sophomore Parker Ladd added a hit and a run. The Blazers collected seven hits on the night.

On the mound, junior Garrett Moody took the loss, allowing eight runs on 10 hits over 6.0 innings while striking out four. Junior Hunter Ward provided relief, tossing two innings and allowing one run while striking out four.

Montevallo was led offensively by McGwire Turner, who drove in four runs on two hits, including a home run. Evan Radford and Preston Bedford also homered for the Falcons, while Hudson Allen recorded three hits in the contest.

Looking Forward

Valdosta State returns to action Saturday for a doubleheader against Montevallo, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. ET in Montevallo, Ala.

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.