CLINTON, Miss. --- A four-run, Valdosta State sixth inning proved the difference in the opening game of the Gulf South Conference, three-game series as the Mississippi College baseball team fell 6-3 on Saturday evening. The outcome improves VSU to 20-11 and 11-6 in conference play while the Choctaws fall to 12-17 and 5-13 in the GSC.
 
After standing deadlocked through five innings at 2-all, the Blazers posted four runs in the top of the sixth to gain a 6-2 advantage. Clint Carr provided the biggest hit of the frame with a one-out, two-run single to left field to start the scoring.
 
MC added a run in the bottom of the inning as Austin Warkentin scored on a double play, but it wasn't enough as the Choctaws registered just one hit the rest of the way.
 
Hunter Hall provided the lone multiple hit effort for the Navy and Gold going 2-for-3 at the dish.
 
The Choctaws picked up solid relief efforts from Tommy Taborda and Parker Watts as the duo combined for the final three innings of work. Taborda tossed 2.0 frames of hitless baseball with one strikeout while Watts pitched the ninth and fanned one.
 
Jake Fraze (5-2) suffered just his second loss on the mound. The MC starter pitched 6.0 frames allowing six runs – five earned – on nine hits with a walk and strikeout.
 
Mitchell Cody (5-2) recorded his fifth win of the season with 8.0 innings of work, where he struck out eight and walked one while allowing seven hits in the effort. Dustin Hersey (5) logged his fifth save as he tossed the final frame with two strikeouts.
 
The Choctaws struck first on the scoreboard with two runs in the bottom of the first as Hunter Bolin scored on a wild pitch and Ferrell crossed the dish on a balk call. Bolin registered the Choctaws' first hit with an infield single and Ferrell later drew a one-out, walk.
 
VSU answered with two runs in the top of the fourth as Ryan Smith and Carr each drove in runs.
 
Mississippi College and Valdosta State close out the series with a doubleheader on Sunday, Apr. 3. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.