Valdosta, Ga. (Feb. 20, 2010) The Nova Southeastern University baseball team split a doubleheader at Valdosta State on Saturday, winning 4-2 in game one before falling 8-2 in game two. The Sharks now stand at 5-6 on the season while Valdosta State is 8-3.
Valdosta State scored one run in the bottom of the third inning of game one to lead 1-0. The Sharks tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth on a RBI groundout from right fielder Brayan Valencia (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.).
NSU took the lead in the top of the sixth inning, scoring twice on an at bat by junior shortstop Luis Penate (Miami, Fla.). Penate reach on a throwing error, which allowed senior second baseman Eric McCans (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) to score from second, and advanced all the way home on a throwing error by the catcher.
After Valdosta State scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning, junior reliever Sean Albury (Nassau, Bahamas) worked his way out of a jam in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure his first save of the season.
Junior reliever Issac Hicks (Ft. Myers, Fla.) earned the win, pitching four and one-third innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run.
Valdosta State grabbed the lead early in the second game, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly off Sharks starter Nick Avila (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) in the bottom of the first inning.
The Sharks tied the game at one apiece in the top of the third, scoring on a sacrifice fly by Penate.
NSU took the lead in the top of the fifth inning when designated hitter Sharad Johnson (Jr, Nassau, Bahamas) led the inning off with a triple and scored on a RBI groundout from Valencia.
The Blazers responded in the bottom half of the fifth inning, scoring four times on five hits and two Shark errors.
VSU added three insurance runs on a RBI double, a RBI groundout and on a wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Avila took the loss for NSU, allowing five runs in five and two-thirds innings pitched. Ross Gusky improved to 3-0 as a starter for Valdosta State with the win.
The Sharks and Blazers conclude their four game series at noon on Sunday, February 21st at Billy Grant Field in Valdosta, Ga.
