ETTRICK, VA- The Trojans dropped Sunday's doubleheader to Salem (West Virginia) University, allowing  the Tigers to pull away late in both games.

In the first game, Salem tied  the game 4-4 in the top of the seventh to force extra innings and then used a four-run barrage in the ninth to secure the victory. In Game two, Virginia State trailed Salem l 6-5 entering the sixth inning before the Tigers tacked on two runs in the sixth to seal the win.

Between games, Virginia State honored four seniors-- Liam Simpson, Aldrewvonte Jackson, Ryan Messer, and Ricky Jones. Simpson is a senior outfielder for the Trojans, majoring in project management. He will be attending VCU for a masters  in Healthcare Administration. Jackson is a senior pitcher majoring in computer science with plans on attending graduate school to get a master's in computer science. Messer is a senior catcher for the Trojans, majoring in history with plans on attending law school. Jones is a senior outfielder, majoring in sociology with  plans on attending graduate school.
 
Game 1 Final Score: Trojans 4 – Tigers 8
Player Highlights: Dawsyn Hock recorded two hits, two RBIs, a walk, and a run scored.
 
The Trojans dropped to an 18-20 overall record.
 
How It Happened: The Trojans struck first with a two-RBI single from Hock in the bottom of the first inning. The 2-0 Virginia State lead held up until the fourth when the Tigers tied the game.

The Trojans left the bottom of the fifth with a 4-2 advantage after a David Johnson walk. However, Virginia State missed an opportunity to score even more runs  leaving the bases loaded.

Errors ailed the Trojans throughout the game, VSU had five errors. As a result, five of the Tigers' eight runs were unearned, including the game-tying run in the seventh and two runs in the ninth.

Tahraun Hammond went two-for-four and scored twice. Christian Henderson was solid on the mound, going eight innings and allowing 10 hits and just three earned runs.

Game 2 Final Score: Trojans 6 – Tigers 8
Player Highlights: Liam Simpson had two hits and scored a run.
 
The Trojans dropped to 18-21.
 
How It Happened: The Trojans answered the Tigers' four runs in the top of the second with three runs scored in the bottom.

Virginia State cut the deficit from 6-3 to 6-5 in the fifth, thanks to RBI hits from Norman Jackson and Ricky Jones. Unfortunately, Jones was left stranded on third on a potential  game tying run. 

Salem  countered with two runs scored in the top of the sixth. The Trojans still had a chance to flip their fortunes when a wild pitch scored Gene Ligon, Jr. and moved Justus Crawley and Henderson into scoring position with only one out. However, the Tigers were able to earn consecutive strikeouts to avoid a letdown.

Along with Jackson and Jones, David Johnson and Avante Banks each picked up an RBI. 

Up Next: The Trojans final home game of the regular season will be Tuesday, April 25 against Barton College at 3 p.m. Next weekend, Virginia State and Salem will return to the diamond for a weekend triple header, hosted by the Tigers. 

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