PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Valdosta State baseball team (18-32, 12-21 GSC) dropped both ends of Saturday's doubleheader at West Florida (35-13, 21-12 GSC), falling 8-2 in game one and 6-4 in game two to close out the 2026 regular season. The Blazers conclude the year just outside of the Gulf South Conference Tournament field.
Game One: Valdosta State 2, West Florida 8
After a scoreless start to the contest, the Argonauts found two runs in the third and extended their lead with runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. Valdosta State's offense was scoreless through five before two runs in the sixth inning.
Senior Jackson Webster provided the scoring on a 2-for-2 day at the plate behind a two-run home run. The Blazers had nine hits as a team, but only Webster's home run and junior Jason Mack's double went for extra bases.
Junior Matt Keller added three singles, while senior Marcos Sevillano contributed a hit. Sevillano and Keller added one stolen base each.
Junior Jack Butler got the start and took the loss, striking out four and allowing three runs (one earned) across five innings. Senior Vinny Del Negro added a scoreless frame out of the bullpen.
Trent Kelly hit a two-RBI triple for the Argonauts while Tanner Taylor added three hits and drove in one run. Tucker Ricks earned the win after tossing solid eight innings with 10 strikeouts.
Game Two: Valdosta State 4, West Florida 6
The Blazers closed the season with a competitive effort in game two but were unable to overcome a decisive fifth inning in the 6-4 loss.
Valdosta State struck first with two runs in the third inning before West Florida answered with a run in the fourth and then a five-run fifth. The Blazers responded with a pair of runs in the sixth.
Senior Brent Howard led the way in game two with two hits and two stolen bases. Howard reached on a single before stealing second, advancing to third on a single from junior Ryan Strachan, and then producing a run by stealing home.
Keller posted two hits, a stolen base, and drove in a run. Sophomore Parker Ladd drove in a run on a base hit and Sevillano singled as the Blazers collected eight hits as a team.
Graduate Trey Jackson started on the mound, allowing three runs over four innings. Senior Keaton Fuller was charged with the loss after surrendering three runs in the fifth. Senior Preston James worked a scoreless sixth and final inning in relief.
West Florida's Tanner Taylor and Greg Pettay drove in two runs each. Ethan Babcock hit a double while William Lybrook added a triple and an RBI. Braden Rapp earned the win, while Micky Scheetz picked up his 12th save.
Valdosta State finishes the 2026 season with an 18-32 overall record and a 12-21 mark in Gulf South Conference play.
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