WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Winston-Salem State University got strong pitching performances on Saturday, as the Rams swept a double header from the Virginia State Trojans, 2-1 and 2-0.
With the wins on Saturday, WSSU improves to 15-15 overall and 4-2 in the CIAA. Virginia State falls to 2-21 overall and 1-4 in the CIAA.
In game one, Jason Baytop had the go-ahead single and run batted in for WSSU in the seventh inning, as the Rams came from behind to take game one, 2-1.
Justin Norton picked up the win for the Rams, going 6.0 innings, allowing just one run on eight hits, while striking out seven. Jordan Cummings got the save pitching a perfect seventh inning for WSSU.
Randy Norris led the Rams offensively, finishing 2 for 3 with two runs scored, and Jason Baytop went 1 for 4 with two runs batted in. Nathan Steger, Landon Steiner, Ivan Acuna, Michael McNamara and Orlando Cannon each went 1 for 3.
In game two, WSSU's Kanoa Hironaka pitched a gem, allowing just two hits, in going the distance in picking up the shutout win. Hironaka went all seven innings, allowing just the two hits, with one walk and three strikeouts.
Ivan Acuna finished 2 for 3 for the Rams, with one run batted in, and Phillip Page went 1 for 3 with a run batted in for WSSU. Brandon Fowler and Landon Steiner each finished 1 for 3, and Steiner also scored one run. Nathan Steger scored the Rams other run in the game.
Winston-Salem State and Virginia State will wrap up the series on Sunday with another double header starting at 1:00pm.