VALDOSTA —
Kyle Zimmerman had three hits and scored two runs to lead Wayne State’s baseball team to a 5-4 victory over Valdosta State on Saturday at Billy Grant Field.
The Warriors, who were playing their first game of the season, took the lead with three runs in the fourth inning, and held the lead the rest of the game.
After seeing the start of the series delayed by rain on Friday, Valdosta State (6-3) jumped out to an early lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning. Jake Fields singled to right to open the inning and came around to score when Matthew Fears followed with a double to left center. Fears moved to third on a ground out and scored when a pick-off throw sailed wide of the bag to give VSU a 2-0 lead.
Wayne State (1-0) answered with five straight runs, three of which came in the fourth inning. Kenny Davis doubled to open the Warrior half of the fourth, and scored when Brad Guenther followed with a single to right. Guenther moved to second on a throwing error on the play and scored when Zimmerman followed with a base hit. After a base hit moved Zimmerman to third, he scored on a double play to give Wayne State a 3-2 advantage.
A wild pitch plated another Warrior run in the seventh. Zimmerman scored on an Eric Cunningham hit in the eighth to push the WSU lead to three runs.
Valdosta State got a run back in the bottom of the eighth when Ryan McClellan scored on a fielder’s choice, but after having the bases loaded with only one out, VSU was unable to push another run across.
The Blazers plated the game’s final run in the bottom of the ninth, as a Jake Montgomery ground out scored Nick Rodda. Valdosta State got the tying run to third in the form of Will Austin, but saw the game end on a ground out.
Field had three hits to lead the Blazers, while Montgomery had two hits. Pete Whittingslow fell to 1-1 on the season. He allowed seven hits and four runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Ethan Vasiliauskas picked up the victory, as he allowed three runs, only two earned, in eight innings. Daniel Peake also collected three hits for Wayne State.
The two teams conclude their three-game series with a doubleheader today, beginning at 10 a.m.
Local Sports
VSU baseball team falls 5-4 to Wayne State
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