INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State entered Friday's doubleheader looking to build momentum, bringing a 1-3 record into its matchup with Malone, which opened the day at 0-0. 

In the opener, West Virginia State (1-4) erased an early deficit with a five-run fourth inning to tie the game, but Malone answered late to pull away for a 12-7 victory. The Yellow Jackets pounded out 12 hits, highlighted by a three-RBI performance from E. Spolarich and a two-RBI single from A. Oquendo during the fourth-inning surge. A. Paulsen added two hits and drove in a run as WVSU rallied from a 7-2 deficit to knot the score. Malone regained control with a five-run sixth inning, capitalizing on a pair of defensive miscues to break the tie. Despite the loss, the Jackets' lineup showed resilience, responding to multiple Pioneer runs with rallies of its own.

In Game 2, West Virginia State (1-5) struggled to solve Malone's pitching in a 6-1 setback. The Yellow Jackets were limited to just one hit but worked six walks and consistently pressured the Pioneers on the bases. A. Paulsen accounted for WVSU's lone RBI with a sixth-inning single that scored B. Guenther. Lingenfelter kept the Jackets within striking distance through four innings before Malone used a four-run third inning to create separation. Though the offense couldn't replicate its Game 1 output, the Jackets continued to compete into the final inning, seeking a spark against the Pioneer bullpen.

West Virginia State will look to bounce back with another doubleheader tomorrow at Malone, starting at 12:00pm.