SALEM, West Virginia -- The Bluefield State baseball team rolled through Salem University Tuesday afternoon in a doubleheader at Frank Loria Memorial Field.
Game 1:
The Big Blue ran off with the lead late in the game in a 9-8 victory over the Tigers on Tuesday. The game was tied at eight with the Big Blue batting in the top of the eighth when Jarred Simpson hit a solo homer.
The Big Blue built a six-run lead in the third inning and then held off the Tigers' charge. The Tigers scored six runs in the failed comeback on a double by Easy Goita, a walk by Brett Graham, a single by Alex Harper, a sacrifice fly by Conor Bardue, and a double by Trey Hissam.
The Big Blue opened up scoring in the first inning. Cole Cote hit a solo homer.
The Tigers knotted the game up at seven in the bottom of the third inning, when Hissam doubled on a 3-1 count, scoring two runs.
The Big Blue notched three runs in the third inning. State's big inning was driven by home runs by Cote and Ty Sizemore.
Austin Stambaugh took the win for the Big Blue. The southpaw allowed one hit and zero runs over three and a third innings, striking out four and walking zero. Carter Williams threw two and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Ben Sitarenios took the loss for the Tigers. The righty went one inning, allowing one run on one hit, striking out one, and walking one.
Reineri started the game for the Tigers. The bulldog lasted two innings, allowing six hits and six runs while striking out two and walking one.
Jacob Matheney started the game for the Big Blue. The lefty allowed four hits and seven runs over two and a third innings, striking out one
The Big Blue hit five home runs on the day. Sizemore went for the long ball in the first and third innings. Simpson put one out in the eighth inning. Cote had a four-bagger in the first and third innings.
The Big Blue racked up nine hits on the day. Brayden Merrick, Cote, and Sizemore all had multiple hits for Bluefield State. Sizemore, Cote, and Merrick all had two hits to lead the Big Blue.
Game 2:
The Big Blue defeated the Tigers, 6-0 on Tuesday as three pitchers combined to throw a shutout.
The Big Blue secured the victory thanks to four runs in the fifth inning. CJ Cooper and Ty Sizemore all drove in runs in the frame.
The Big Blue got things moving in the second inning. Garrett Hladilek hit a solo homer.
The Big Blue scored four runs in the fifth inning. Cooper and Sizemore each had RBIs in the big inning.
The Tigers, Brett Graham doubled up the middle in the second inning but no runs came of it.
Shawn Runey was credited with the victory for the Big Blue. Runey surrendered zero runs on four hits over five innings, striking out five and walking zero. Jackson Painter and Zach Powell entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.
Alden Halfinger took the loss for the Tigers. The pitcher surrendered six runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out five and walking zero.
Bluefield State launched three home runs in the second game. Sizemore went deep in the fifth inning. Cooper had a four-bagger in the fifth inning. Hladilek went for the long ball in the second inning.
The Big Blue saw the ball well today, racking up seven hits in the game. Cooper and Sizemore each managed multiple hits for Bluefield State. Sizemore and Cooper each collected two hits to lead the Big Blue. The Big Blue were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Hladilek had the most chances in the field with six.
Next Up...
The Big Blue will host Emory and Henry in a doubleheader Wednesday, Mar. 16. The First Pitch is set for 1 p.m.
