INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State split a doubleheader with Fairmont State on Saturday at Cal Bailey Field, dropping the opener before rallying late to secure a walk-off victory in Game 2.

Fairmont State claimed the first game 4-2 despite a strong early showing from West Virginia State. The Yellow Jackets struck first with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and added to the lead in the fourth when Ethyn Barnitz launched a solo home run to make it 2-0. However, Fairmont State capitalized in the later innings, scoring twice in the fifth to tie the game before taking advantage of a defensive miscue in the sixth to plate two unearned runs that proved to be the difference. Barnitz led the way offensively, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, double, and RBI, while Brodie Guenther added two hits. West Virginia State pitching held Fairmont State to just three hits, but 10 walks and key errors allowed the visitors to pull ahead late.

In Game 2, West Virginia State responded with resilience, earning a 4-3 walk-off win in the seventh inning. Trailing 3-0 after Fairmont State's three-run third inning, the Yellow Jackets chipped away with a run in the fourth before erupting in the final frame. Michael Bittinger sparked the rally with a two-run double to tie the game, and moments later Angel Oquendo delivered a game-winning infield single to complete the comeback. Bittinger finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Oquendo added two hits and the decisive RBI. The WVSU bullpen kept the deficit manageable, allowing just one run over the final three innings to set up the late heroics as the Yellow Jackets secured the split.

Yellow Jackets look to take on the Bobcats of Frostburg State tomorrow, March 22 at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.