Baseball: Valdosta State spoils opening day at Albany State, 6-1

ALBANY – The Valdosta State Blazers spoiled opening day on a spectacular February day at Albany State West, beating the Golden Rams 6-1 in the season opener.

Valdosta State first baseman Dennis Pearce belted a two-run homer off the Albany State starter Jeremiah Reddell (0-1) in the top of the third inning. Designated Hitter Hunter Stowe followed that with a double and Brady Davis took over on the mound for the Golden Rams.  After an out and a walk, Leeandro Alfonzo doubled down the left field line to score Stowe.

The Golden Rams got their only run of the game in the bottom of the third. Dominic Rutigliano smacked a one-out single through the right side of the infield then went to second on a wild pitch. He scored a single form Hill Corley.

The Blazers added a run in the sixth and Pearce hit another two-run homer in the eighth inning to finish the scoring.

Albany State managed just three hits against Blazer pitching and eight Golden Rams struck out.

Reddell took the loss on the mound, giving up four hits and three runs – none of which were earned. He walked one and struck out two.

Albany State’s next home game will be on Saturday, February 17 when LeMoyne College comes to town for the first SIAC competition of the season. First pitch on that day will be 1:00 p.m.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorJoeWhitfield[email protected]