VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State (7-14) returns home from its trip to Livingston, Ala. on Tuesday evening to host Embry-Riddle (8-7) in a non-conference matchup at Billy Grant Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
The Blazers ride some momentum into the contest after ending their weekend series with a 3-2 upset victory over No. 8 West Alabama. Junior Drake LaRoche tossed a complete game in the win, allowing just two runs while striking out seven to secure the victory over the nationally ranked Tigers.
Offensively, Valdosta State has been led this season by junior Charlie Banks, who is hitting .353 with five home runs and 19 RBI through 21 games. Sophomore Parker Ladd has also been a bright spot at the plate, batting .441 with two home runs in limited appearances.
Senior Brent Howard (.267) and senior Jackson Webster (.288) have provided steady production in the middle of the lineup, while junior Ryan Strachan has added 10 RBI and 11 runs scored. Howard also paces VSU with 19 walks on the season. Juniors Luke Flading and Matt Keller have been staples in the lineup and contributed key hits along with strong defense throughout the early portion of the season.
Embry-Riddle enters Tuesday's matchup with an 8-7 record. The Eagles feature one of the stronger offenses in the region, led by Francisco Feliciano who is batting .442 with 16 RBI, while Max McClusky (.405), Aidan Corn (.382), and Drew Clymer (.375) are all hitting above .370 on the season.
On the mound, JD Bryan has led Embry-Riddle's pitching staff with a 3-0 record and a 3.44 ERA in four appearances, while Aiden Marsiglio and Jason Dennis have each made multiple starts for the Eagles this season.
Valdosta State holds a 15-10 advantage in the all-time series between the programs dating back to 2000. However, Embry-Riddle has won the last five meetings between the teams, with the Blazers last claiming victory in the series in 2023.
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 as they continue into GSC play.
