VSU Drops Decision at #19 Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – On Monday, Virginia State played its fourth game in three days, this time against #19 Mount Olive, and dropped the game between the Trojans 15-1. 

Neither team got a runner on in the first and VSU went down in order in the top of the second. UMO would then use a two-out rally to score four runs off starter Coron Wallace. Jody Morris then came in to pitch and got the final out. Matthew May managed to single to right field and advanced to second after a ground out, but he was stranded there. Morris managed to throw a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the third to keep Mount Olive off the scoreboard. 

In the bottom of the fourth Mount Olive hit back-to-back singles to start the inning and scored another run, then followed with a double down the left field line which made it 6-0. In the fifth inning VSU went down in order with three straight strikeouts. A pair of hits for UMO in the seventh plated their seventh run with just one out. Then a HBP and a steal of second put both runners in scoring position followed by a single up the middle, bringing two more runs across to make it 9-0. In total, Mount Olive would get to 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth. UMO added another five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Virginia State did manage to get a run across in the seventh.  

With the loss, VSU drops to 11-28 while Mount Olive improves to 32-12. VSU will hit the road once again for an NSAC doubleheader on Wednesday, April 24 starting at 1 pm against Mid-Atlantic Christian University. 

Story and image courtesy VSU Athletics

NSAC Honors 41 All-Academics in 2024 Baseball

The New South Athletic Conference is pleased to recognize the 41 baseball players who have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) this year and have been named to the NSAC All-Academic Team.

“This is my favorite award each season,” said conference commissioner Mike Davis. “It recognizes the dedication and tenacity of each of these student-athletes to achieve a bright future for themselves and their families. Congratulations to each and every one.”

APPRENTICE SCHOOL

  • Jaeden Anderson
  • Justin Bradshaw
  • Riggs Ellis
  • Jeremy Harmon
  • Aiden Henry
  • Hunter Johnson
  • Matt Phoebus
  • Bryce Post
  • Jackson Stratton
  • Kyle Whitlock

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

  • Clay Allen
  • Carlos Brown
  • Robert Gates
  • Trent Knighten
  • Josh Landis
  • Andry Mendez
  • Gavin Neade
  • Quenton Renfroe
  • Jean Quezada Sosa

MID-ATLANTIC CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

  • Dalon Arrington
  • Titus Bleckley
  • Bobby Brown
  • Josiah Collado
  • Trey Dail
  • Sean Henry
  • Landen Miller
  • Travis Snell
  • Connor Wong

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

  • Decarlos Nora
  • Josh Mahan
  • Thomas Moore
  • Jimmyll Williams
  • Dawysn Hock
  • Alex Dayle
  • Joseph Hastings
  • Avante Banks
  • Justis Crawley
  • Daniel Smith
  • Bryce Wilmoth
  • Coron Wallace

Photo by Raghav Modi on Unsplash

Makos Drop Series to NCF

SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida completed a sweep over a youthful Lighthouse Christian squad Saturday.

Jonathan Smalenski got the start on the mound in game one. After a lead off walk, Smalenski made an excellent field in the play, fielding a line-out before throwing to first to turn an impressive double play.

Landen Morrison recorded the first hit of the day for New College, lacing a single to right field.

Smalenski pitched well in the second, allowing one hit and forcing 2 ground outs and a pop out to retire the Makos.

The Banyan offense was great in the second inning. New College showcased their plate discipline, walking the bases loaded with only one out. Adrian Quinones got the scoring started, singling to right field to score the first run of the day. Brennan Peterson drove in the next run, getting hit by a pitch to put New College up 2. Another walk from John McIntosh put the Banyans up 3. The Banyans added another run to end the inning, going up 4-0 through two innings.

The Makos got on the scoreboard in the fifth, bringing the Banyan lead to 3.

The Banyans maintained their lead, capturing a 4-1 win in game one.

Lighthouse Christian jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning of game number two.

The Banyan bats exploded in the bottom of the second. Three straight hits loaded the bases for Jeremy Miller Jr. The Banyans converted, scoring two runs to take a 2-1 lead.

The Mako offense got them back in the game, scoring 3 runs to take a 4-2 lead in the fourth inning.

The Banyans got one run back on an error in the bottom of the fourth, making it a 4-3 ball game.

The Banyans retook the lead in the fifth. Doubles from Rylan Jomisko, Matt Merk, and Aiden Apparicio scored two runs to help the Banyans take a 5-4 lead. Jesus Fortis singled to left field to add on another run.

The Banyan offense took off in the sixth, scoring 5 runs to take a 9-4 lead.

Story and image courtesy NCF Athletics

MACU Picks Up Conference Road Win at VSU

ETTRICK, Va. – Virginia State dropped a nine-inning affair to Mid Atlantic Christian on Thursday 13-2. 

MACU managed to load the bases with back-to-back singles and an error by the third baseman. A fielder’s choice would bring one run across, but the Trojans starter Gavin Stevens managed to get out of the jam. The Trojans would get that run back in the second inning after Jaquan Tucker was hit by the pitch and advanced to second on a sac bunt. Matthew May was hit by the pitch and then Avante Banks hit a two-out double to bring across Tucker. 

The Mustangs would add another run in the fourth and then put up five runs in the fifth. In the bottom of the sixth, Banks hit into a fielder’s choice to bring across Thomas Chandler to score VSU’s second run. However, MACU would score seven more runs in the eighth and ninth innings to make the final score 13-2. 

Jimmyll Williams and TJ McGowan were the only Trojans with multiple hits, and Stevens now drops to 2-5 on the year. As a team, VSU now sits at 11-24 while MACU improved to 21-18.

Story and image courtesy VSU Athletics

Wilson Tobs Set to Host NSAC Baseball Tourney

The schedule is set for the New South Athletic Conference 2024 Baseball Tournament to be held at Historic Fleming Stadium in Wilson, North Carolina May 2-4.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the Wilson Tobs as our host for this year’s tournament,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “Historic Fleming Stadium is just that: a piece of sports history. Growing up in nearby Knightdale, I revered Fleming for years and look forward to a great tournament in this quaint setting.”

DateGameAwayHomeTime
Thursday May 21Seed #4Seed #111:00 AM
Historic Fleming Stadium2Seed #3Seed #23:00 PM
3Loser Game 1Loser Game 26:30 PM
     
Date AwayHomeTime
Friday May 34Winner Game 2Winner Game 112:00 PM
Historic Fleming Stadium5Winner Game 3Loser Game 44:00 PM
     
     
Date AwayHomeTime
Saturday May 4ChampionshipWinner Game 5Winner Game 412:00 PM
Historic Fleming StadiumChampionshipIf NecessaryIf Necessary3:30 PM

The seedings will finalized on Sunday, April 28.

From wilsontobs.com:

“Built in 1939 for the Wilson Tobs of the original Coastal Plain ‘D’ League, Historic Fleming Stadium has always served as a stepping stone for some of our country’s greatest ballplayers, entertainers, and politicians.

“From Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle to Elvis Presley, Kevin Costner, and New York City Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, Historic Fleming Stadium’s (85)-year history is lined with the heroes of our national pastime and the cultural leaders of our society.

“Used primarily today as the home of the modern-era Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League, North Carolina Baseball Museum, and Year-Round Baseball Events, Fleming is still vibrantly hosting our national pastime’s past, current and future stars. Fleming’s importance in the baseball community has continued to grow with age by hosting over 150 days of baseball annually and operating from February to November. Historic Fleming Stadium is also host to the Conference Carolinas Baseball Championship, NCISA’s Spring Single A Baseball Championships, as well as the CPL All-Star game in 2005 and 2012.“

Builders Take Weekend Series from Makos

HAMPTON, Va. – The Apprentice School baseball team improved to 32-7 on the season with a four-game sweep of Lighthouse Christian this weekend at War Memorial Stadium. With the four wins, the Builders improved to 10-2 in New South Athletic Conference action this season.

On Saturday, the Builders jumped on the Makos early and often, winning 22-2 and 11-1 in five and six innings, respectively. The Builders continued the onslaught on Sunday with an 11-1 six inning win before holding on for a 9-6 win in the series finale.

Nolan Edwards went 9-for-14 on the weekend with three homers and nine runs scored. He also brought in eight RBI on the weekend as well. Camden Weston went 6-for-10, and Jeremy Harmon hit two homers Sunday, the first of which ended game one of the twin bill by the run rule.

Story and image courtesy Apprentice Athletics

Builders, Trojans Split Twin Bill, Again

HAMPTON, Va. – After splitting a doubleheader last weekend, Virginia State and Apprentice repeated the feat Friday with the Builders taking the opener 12-2 and the Trojans winning the nightcap by the identical score.  

GAME 1: BUILDERS 12, TROJANS 2

  • After Jimmyll Williams got hit by the pitch he stole second before a double play ended the first inning. The Builders hit a triple and brought the runner in on a sac fly to score  
  • In the bottom of the second Newport News was the benefited from an opening walk before a two out double drove him home. A passed ball then let that runner move to third. Another double would put runners on second and third while also making the score 3-0 
  • An RBI ground out, let the third run of the inning come across for the Builders and in the fifth one more run came around to score making it 5-0 Newport News  
  • In the bottom of the fourth the Builders doubled down the line and then advanced on two wild pitches to score 
  • The Trojans answered with a Jaquan Tucker home run. Victor Johnson than tripled and Matthew May hit a sacrifice fly to get VSU on the board 
  • In the bottom of the sixth the Builders get three runs to have a 10-run advantage at 12-2 

GAME 2: TROJANS 12, BUILDERS 2 

  • The two opening batters got on and TJ McGowan hit a bunt single to get the runner on third across. Tucker walked to load the bases and then Jamari Pooler hit a double to score two. Daniel Smith then hit a sac fly to put four up in the first inning 
  • Avante Banks and Williams hit back-to-back singles in the second, McGowan then walked to load the bases with one out. Tucker was hit by a pitch to let a run in, and Pooler hit a 2 RBI single right after. Justus Crawley then hit an RBI single and Smith hit an RBI fielder’s choice 
  • The builders would score in the bottom of the inning, but in the top of the third the Trojans would put up their final three runs of the game with Tucker and Pooler picking up the RBI’s 
  • Apprentice picked up one more in the third, but Joesph Hastings would shut down the Builders for the rest of the game to pick up his second win 

Story courtesy VSU Athletics; image courtesy Chris Waugaman, VSU Athletics

Trojans Drop Pair to D1 VMI

LEXINGTON, Va. – Playing against Division 1 opponent Virginia Military Institute for the first time in program history, the Virginia State University baseball team was swept in a doubleheader 16-2 in game 1 and 15-7 in game 2. VSU held the lead or was tied with VMI for most of game 2. 

GAME 1: VMI 16, VSU 2 

  • The Trojans went down in order in the top of the first, while the Keydets only managed a walk in their half 
  • VMI managed to get runners on second and third after a single and a walk followed by a double steal in their half of the second, however Preston Branzelle managed to get a strikeout and a lineout to escape the jam 
  • VMI managed to get on the board in the third after a one out single followed by a double to right center on the very next pitch. A HBP and a double steal set up the Keydets with runners in scoring position with still one out 
  • A sac fly scored the second run of the inning with VMI still having a runner on third who scored on a wild pitch on the next pitch 
  • Three straight walks loaded the bases for the Keydets but Jaquan Tucker came into pitch and on his first pitch he got an out on a fielder’s choice limiting the damage to 3-0 after three innings 
  • Jimmyll Wiliams would get the first hit for VSU with a hard hit single to center. Christian Henderson hit a sacrifice and got Williams to second who then stole third. TJ McGowan took the first pitch he saw straight up the middle to get the Trojans on the board 
  • After a walk to open the fourth, VMI hit a towering shot to left center for a homer making it 5-1. Then a single, steal of second and a ground out got a runner on third with just one out. Following a hit by pitch a single up the middle allowed two more runs to come across to score. After was all said and done Keydets put up 6 runs in the fourth 
  • Thomas Moore hit a one out triple, followed by Victor Johnson HBP and then Jody Morris walked to load the bases however VMi was able to get the last two outs after a pitching change 
  • VMI hit a leadoff triple, but McGowan managed to get the next two batters out before hitting the next batter. The Kaydets then managed to score on a double steal to get their 10th run. The next batter struck out but got on bass via a throwing error which let the man on second score. Then the next batter took the first pitch he saw to right field for a homer 
  • In the sixth Tucker hit a two out doubled followed by a single by Jamari Pooler to put runners on the corners. Moore than walked to load the bases and Johnson walked in a run, in the bottom of the inning VMI hit yet another homerun to make it 16-2 which would be the final score 

GAME 2: VMI 15, VSU 7

  • Williams was hit by the second pitch of the game, and he managed to steal second. Henderson then hit a single to shallow center to advance Williams to third. Mcgowan hit a single to score Williams. Both McGowan and Henderson advanced on a wild pitch to get both in scoring position.  Pooler the doubled to right center to score two more runs 
  • VMI managed to get runners in scoring position after a sacrifice bunt then a sac fly would get the Keydets on the board then a wild pitch cleared the bases as the score sat at 3-2 VSU 
  • Each team managed to hit a single in the second inning 
  • In the third Dawsyn was hit by the pitch and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Avante Banks hit a two out single up the middle to put runners on first and third. In the bottom half of the inning Gavin Stevens had a 1-2-3 inning 
  • Daniel Smith continued the Trojans hot bats doubling to right field. Matthew May laid down a bunt and a throwing error by the catcher let May get to second and Smith to score, making it 4-2. May got to third after Williams flied out to right field. Henderson then hit a deep sac fly to bring May in to score 
  • Back-to-back two out singles for VMI would give the Keydets their best opportunity for a run since the first inning, however Stevens recorded his first strikeout of the game 
  • In the bottom of the fifth, VMI managed to get runners on the corners after a HBP, a walk and two wild pitches. A double gave VMI their first run since the first inning and still had runners on second and third. A wild pitch after a pitching change let the runners move up 90 feet to make it 5-4. The Trojans traded a double play for a run that tied the game at 5 
  • The bottom of the sixth saw VMI plate two more runs, before in the top of the seventh David Johnson hit a double to left center to plate Justis Crawley and Banks 
  • In the bottom of the inning the Keydets used a two out rally to score three for a 10-7 advantage 
  • VMI started to put the game out of reach as they added five runs in the eighth inning making it 15-7 

With the two losses VSU drops to 9-17 while VMI goes above .500 at 16-15. The Trojans will play at Barton on Wednesday, April 3 at 3 pm. 

Story and image courtesy VSU Athletics

Trojans Hand Builders First NSAC Loss in Twin Bill Split

ETTRICK, Va. – The Virginia State University baseball team split a doubleheader against the Apprentice School on Friday dropping game one 7-1 and winning game two 5-1. 

GAME 1: BUILDERS 7, VSU 1

  • The Builders would go down in order in the first and in the bottom of the inning Jimmyll Willams walked and Christian Henderson singled before both players stole to get runners on second and third. 
  • Then on a two out wild pitch both runners moved up 90 feet to get the Trojans on the board 
  • The Builders would add another run in the second and then in the fourth Apprentice then hung up three runs to widen their margin 
  • Apprentice then added a run in the fifth sixth and seventh innings while and Avante Banks walk and steal of second was the only time the Trojans would get a runner in scoring position 

GAME 2: VSU 5, BUILDERS 1 

  • Neither team would manage much in the first two innings with the only hits being by Williams and Victor Johnson for VSU 
  • Joesph Hastings started the game and was throwing a perfect game through three innings 
  • Banks and Williams hit back-to-back doubles to get runners on second and third with no outs. Henderson hit an RBI-ground out and an error by the 3b would get Jaquan Tucker to second and would score TJ McGowan who got on by a fielder’s choice 
  • The Builders only managed to get two batters on through the fourth and fifth innings via an error and a walk 
  • In the bottom of the sixth Jamari Pooler started the inning off with a double that was just feet from being a home run. Pooler then stole third and a Jody Morris double brought him in to score. Morris then advanced to third on an error by the catcher and Williams walked. Henderson then hit the third double of the inning to score both Morris and Williams 
  • The Builders managed to get a runner on second after a single and a wild pitch. A one-out single put runners on the corners before a two out walk loaded the bases 
  • A wild pitch advanced every runner to finally get the Builders on the board 
  • Hastings earned his first win of the season 
  • The Trojan win was their first NSAC victory of the season and the Builder’s first conference loss

Apprentice Edges Up in Latest Poll

The Apprentice School baseball team continues its tear through the season with an impressive 25-5 overall record (.833 winning percentage) and 4-0 in league play. This has not gone unnoticed by the USCAA pollsters who bumped the Builders up another notch to number two in the latest poll.

AS began the campaign as a preseason #5 and picked up two spots in the first regular season poll last week to third.

The red-hot Builders jump back into NSAC competition this Friday by traveling to Virginia State then hosting the Trojans on Friday April 5.

Mid-Atlantic Christian lost three spots this week and slips to number 11.