MARION, NC- The Virginia State University Trojans baseball team opened the 2019 Independent Baseball Tournament on May 2 by taking a late lead to defeat Panthers of Claflin University, 14-8, in 11 innings. 

Both teams battled for the lead throughout the matchup.

Brian Goodwyn led VSU to the victory by driving in four runs and went 3-for-5 at the plate.  Goodwyn also chipped in driving in 3 runs on a triple in the seventh to tie the game.

Virginia State Trojans tallied two home runs on the day. Kevin Russell had a hit over the fence in the fourth inning, while Rashad Stewart went deep in the ninth inning.

The Trojans collected 15 hits in the contest.  Goodwyn, Jahleel Sewer, Stewart, Darius Holeman, and Russell all had multiple hits to lead VSU to their victory.  Sewer and Goodwyn led the charge by collecting three hits each. Goodwyn led the Trojans with two stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with seven stolen bases.

Claflin scattered seven hits in the game.  Fowler and Dobbs all managed multiple hits for Claflin.

On the mound, Josh Welcher started the game for Virginia State Trojans. He went five innings, allowing on three hits and striking out five.

Jarren Norman earned the victory on the hill for the Trojans. He lasted two and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out three and walking zero.  Jose Martinez threw three and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Westbrook took the loss in relief for Claflin. He lasted three and a third innings, allowing five hits and seven runs while striking out four.

The Trojans will face the Rams of Winston-Salem State University for Day 2 of the 2019 Independent Baseball Tournament

For more information on the VSU baseball program, visit govsutrojans.com, follow the Trojans on Twitter @VSUsports or call 804-524-5030.