MACU Takes Extra Innings to Slip Past VSU

ETTRICK, Va. – Jack Valachovic singled in RJ Cabrera for the winning run in the 12th inning as Mid-Atlantic took down Virginia State 8-6 Friday afternoon in NSAC action.

The Mustangs, ranked third in the latest USCAA baseball poll, scored in the first inning then sat the Trojans down in order in the bottom half. In the second VSU started with Jaquan Tucker getting Hit by Pitch, then Erik Romero hit a one out double. Hector Rivera then hit a single to bring in Tucker. MACU started the third with back-to-back singles to get runners on the corners. The next batter then hit an RBI groundout. In the bottom half, Thomas Ealey hit a one out single then advanced to second. TJ McGowan then doubled to tie the game at 2.

MACU added another run in the fourth before VSU answered with Victor Johnson starting with a single in the bottom half. Romero followed with a single of his own ,and Rivera hit the third straight single to load the bases. David Johnson then pinch hit and hit a single to bring in two runs. Ealey hit a triple to get Rivera home. The Mustangs continued to answer putting up three runs in the fifth to lead 6-5. Both pitching staffs would shut down the offenses until the bottom of the ninth. Rivera started with a double, Norman Jackson then hit a pinch-hit single which brought in the tying run. In the bottom of the tenth, the Trojans had an opportunity to win the game after getting a runner to second with two outs, but he was left stranded. MACU then took advantage in the 12th inning putting up two runs, first Cabrera and then Darris Boswell. In the bottom half, Romero hit a double but was left stranded there.

With the loss VSU drops to 9-21 overall and will be back in action tomorrow Saturday April 19 against Mid-Atlantic Christian for an NSAC doubleheader and Senior Day. Senior Day is scheduled for 12:30 and first pitch at 1 p.m.

Story courtesy Virginia State Athletics