Staff reports
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Valdosta State’s magic run through the Gulf South Conference tournament came to an end Friday morning.
Hayden Simpson limited Valdosta State to just three hits, and led Southern Arkansas to a 5-0 victory in the championship game of the Gulf South Conference baseball tournament Friday at USA Stadium.
Valdosta State finished second in the tournament, after going in as the third seed from the East Division.
Southern Arkansas (49-9), the No. 2 team in Division II, scored the game’s first runs in the top of the fifth, utilizing the speed of right fielder Patrick Johnson. Johnson drew a one-out walk and stole second to move into scoring position. Jeffrey Meadows followed with a single through the right side of the infield to score Johnson. After a fly out, Gavan McCauley doubled down the left field line to drive home Meadows, giving the Muleriders a 2-0 lead.
The Muleriders added their third run in the sixth. Dane Lucas led off with his third hit of the game. Two batters later, Cannon Lester singled to right to move Lucas to third, and Lucas scored on a sacrifice fly by Johnson to give Southern Arkansas a 3-0 lead.
Southern Arkansas closed out the scoring with a pair of runs in the eighth inning.
Valdosta State (41-19) threatened in the fourth inning, but saw a double play end the threat. Logan Pierce reached on an infield single, moved to second on a wild pitch and third on a throwing error on the wild pitch. Brandon Decker drew a walk, but Matt Costello hit into a double play to end the inning.
The victory marked the second of the tournament for Simpson over the Blazers. Southern Arkansas’ ace right-hander improved to 11-1 on the year. Simpson, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, walked three and struck out six batters in eight innings of work. VSU’s Ross Gusky allowed eight hits and four runs, while striking out four in seven innings, and fell to 5-4 on the year.
Valdosta State catcher Chase Blackwood, first baseman Clayton Cain and third baseman-pitcher Austin Smith were all named to the All-Tournament team.
Valdosta State now waits to find out if the team will advance to the NCAA South Regional. The NCAA’s announcement on the 2009 regional play will be made Sunday between 5-8:30 p.m.
