FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (34-10, 22-4 MEC) secured two decisive victories over West Virginia State University (23-25, 12-16 MEC) on Thursday at Duvall-Rosier Field, winning 11–3 in the first game and 9-2 in the second.
Game 1: Fairmont State 11, West Virginia State 3 (5 Inn.)
In Game 1, the Yellow Jackets took an early lead in the first inning with a solo home run. However, Fairmont State responded with a powerful offensive display, as
Jaylin McGill drove in two runs with a double, followed by
Alexa Foresha's RBI single, bringing the score to 3–1 in favor of the Falcons.
The second inning saw the Yellow Jackets tie the game at 3–3, capitalizing on a pair of doubles, but Fairmont State quickly reclaimed the lead in the third inning.
Emma Paul hit a home run to left center, and McGill followed with a homer down the left-field line, increasing the lead to 5–3.
The Falcons further extended their lead in the fourth inning, starting with
Sydney Emanuel's leadoff double. Paul and
Breonna Marietta each drew walks with the bases loaded, scoring two runs. McGill then delivered a two-RBI single, and Foresha added another RBI single, pushing the lead to 10–3.
In the fifth inning,
Bella Hess singled, and Paul drove in the final run with a single to left center, leading to the final score of 11–3.
Caitlin Morey started for the Falcons, pitching 1 1/3 innings while allowing four hits and three earned runs.
Micah Wilson entered in relief, delivering a solid performance over 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two while issuing one walk. Wilson threw 52 pitches, with 34 strikes, and was credited with the win, improving to an 8–3 record.
Emma Paul led the team with three runs, two hits, and three RBIs, including a home run. McGill contributed with two runs and three hits, one of which was a home run, adding five RBIs to the team's tally.
Bella Hess added two runs and a stolen base.
Game 2: Fairmont State 9, West Virginia State 2
In Game 2, the home team took an early lead in the first inning when
Emma Paul doubled to left center, followed by
Breonna Marietta's home run to right center, bringing in two runs and leading 2-0.
In the third inning,
Avery Townsend singled and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Marietta doubled to right field, allowing Townsend to score, extending the Falcons' lead to 3-0.
The fourth inning saw Fairmont State capitalize on a throwing error by third base, bringing
Paige Matteson home.
Abbie Keilholz singled, driving in another run, and
Gabi Ramm, pinch-running for Keilholz, scored on a wild pitch. Townsend's speed on the bases added another run, while Marietta's single brought in yet another, expanding the lead to 7-0.
The Yellow Jackets responded in the sixth inning with two runs, but Fairmont State quickly answered back.
Bella Hess tripled, and Townsend's sacrifice bunt brought Hess home. Paul then singled and scored on
Jaylin McGill's double, solidifying the Falcons' lead at 9-2.
Delaney Haller pitched 5 2/3 innings without allowing a run, striking out four and giving up four hits. Haller did not issue any walks, throwing 87 pitches with 57 strikes.
Phoebe Rusnak came in relief, pitching 1 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits with one walk and one wild pitch.
Breonna Marietta led the Falcons' offense with three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs.
Avery Townsend contributed with two hits, two stolen bases, and scored twice.
Emma Paul added two hits and a double, driving in one run and scoring twice.
Fairmont State wraps up the regular season on Friday, May 1 against the University of Charleston. Due to the forecast, the games have been moved up to a 12:30 p.m. start.
