Valdosta State scored six runs over the fourth and fifth innings
and held on for a 8-5 win over Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday
evening at Hurricane Field.
The Hurricanes (10-14) struck first in the game as they scored a
run in the bottom of the third inning. Drew Camp walked to open the
frame and advanced around the bases via a passed ball,
sacrifice bunt and fielder's choice. The Hurricanes took a 1-0
lead without recording a hit in the inning.
VSU (19-8) struck back for a pair of runs in the top of the
fourth. Matt Costello doubled to bring home Austin Smith and
Costello later scored on a wild pitch. The Hurricanes pushed across
another run in the bottom of the frame when Francisco Gomez singled
in Bud Long, who started the inning with a double.
Valdosta State opened up a 6-2 advantage with four runs in the
fifth.
The Hurricanes closed the Blazers lead to a single run with a
three-run sixth inning. Chris Lingham reached on an infield single
to start off the rally. The next batter, Shane Doyle doubled down
the right field line. Long walked. The 'Canes would manage to bring
in two runs before Drew Camp singled to right to drive in the final
run of the frame.
VSU would add a pair of runs in the eighth to close out the
scoring.
Steve Turner (3-1) earned the win for VSU, throwing five
innings, allowing five runs - three earned - while striking out
four and walking three. Brandon Graves silenced the GSW bats
over the final four scoreless innings for his sixth save of the
season. Graves struck out nine while not walking a batter.
GSW starter Jody Sellars (1-1) gets the loss, allowing six runs
in 4.1 innings of work. He Struck out two and walked
two. The Hurricanes pitching staff threw seven wild pitches.
Southwestern did not have a player record a multi-hit game.
Gomez drove in two.
Smith led the VSU offense with a 3-for-5 performance that
included a double. Costello went 2-for-4, had a double along
with two RBI and two runs scored. Chase Blackwood and Clayton Cain
had a pair of hits apiece for the Blazers.
GSW hosts USC Aiken this weekend in Peach Belt Conference action
starting Saturday with a doubleheader at 2 p.m.
