Orangeburg, S.C. -- The Virginia State University baseball team (3-1-1) split the opening doubleheader series to Claflin University (1-5) after taking a 9-3 loss, but ended the day with a 4-3 win at Mirmow Field this afternoon.

Game 1

The Trojans opened the contest with scoring in the first inning. VSU capitalized on an error by adding a run to take the lead. Claflin answered with adding its first three runs in the bottom of the second inning, tying the game.

Claflin then added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Claflin bats were led by Parker, Langston, and Fowler, who all drove in runs.

Westbrook pitched Claflin to victory. He pitched three innings, allowing two hits and zero runs while striking out three and walking zero. VSU's Josh Welcher took the loss. Welcher pitched for five innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits and striking out four. Parker started the game for Claflin. He lasted four innings, allowing three hits and three runs while striking out four and walking one. 

Claflin launched two home runs on the day. Smith put one out in the fifth inning. Parker had a four bagger in the sixth inning. The Trojans collected five hits.  Aaron Harris and Justin Nase each managed multiple hits for VSU. Nase and Harris each collected two hits to lead Virginia State.

Game 2

In the first inning, Virginia State got their offense started when Jahleel Sewer singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run. Claflin tied the game up at one in the bottom of the third inning, when Fowler grounded out, scoring one run. The game was tied at one with the Trojans batting in the top of the fifth when Julian White hit a solo homer. The Trojans continued to rally to secure a 4-3 victory.

Jamar Hinton got the win for the Virginia State University Trojans. He surrendered three runs on seven hits over seven innings, striking out nine and walking none. Carter took the loss for Claflin. He allowed seven hits and four runs over six innings, striking out two.

Virginia State University Trojans collected eight hits. Aaron Harris, Justin Nase, and Sewer each racked up multiple hits for the Trojans.  Claflin racked up seven hits with Langston and Hopkins leading the force.

VSU will wrap up the series against Claflin University on Sunday, Feb. 11, with first pitch slated for 1pm.

For more information on VSU baseball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.