Ettrick, Va (March 25, 2024)- Playing in the third game of the three-game series the Virginia State University baseball team dropped a 6-3 decision to Bluefield State. 

Bluefield State started off the game with a single to center followed by the runner stealing second. The next batter copied the leadoff hitter getting runners on second and third with no outs. Gavin Sheets managed to get the next three batters out, but Bluefield State did push a run across thanks to a sacrifice fly to right field. The Trojans were unable to answer as they went down in order the first two innings.  

The Big Blue added another run in the third after a single and a steal of second base followed by a two out double to make it 2-0. Avante banks was the first Trojan to get on base via an error by the second baseman and Jimmyll Williams walked but Bluefield State was able to escape the inning. The Big Blue added one more in the top of the fifth to make it 3-0. VSU would finally mount some offense in the bottom of the sixth with a Williams double to lead off the inning. TJ McGowan then got hit by the pitch and Thomas Moore walked to load the bases. Jamari Pooler then reached on a pitcher's error, which cleared the bases and ended up on third base. 

After a pair of walks in the top of the seventh the Big Blue got runners on second and third after a VSU error scored one. They followed that with another sacrifice fly to left field and a single up the middle to double up the score at 6-3. Over the last three innings the Trojans were able to get runners into scoring position, but it was always with two outs, and they could never capitalize on their opportunities. 

Williams was the only VSU player with multiple hits as he went 2-4 with a walk. The Trojans return to the diamond tomorrow Tuesday March 26 at 3 pm against Barton College at home.