INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State split a doubleheader with Concord on Sunday afternoon at Anderson Field, using late-game heroics to take the opener before falling in a high-scoring second game.

In Game 1, WVSU rallied late to secure a 6-5 win behind a clutch seventh-inning swing from Ethyn Barnitz. The Yellow Jackets built an early 3-0 lead, highlighted by Barnitz's solo home run and an RBI from Ayden Youngblood, before Concord surged ahead with a five-run sixth inning. Trailing 5-3 entering the final frame, WVSU responded as Barnitz delivered again, blasting a three-run homer to left to reclaim the lead. Hunter McSweeney earned the win in relief, and Karson Frye shut the door in the seventh to secure the save. Barnitz finished with four RBIs and two home runs, leading an efficient offensive effort that capitalized in key moments.

In Game 2, the Yellow Jackets jumped out early but could not overcome a big inning from Concord, falling 11-7 in the nightcap. WVSU took a 2-0 lead on Ethan Spolarich's two-run homer and later added three runs in the fourth to cut into a deficit, with Aidan Paulsen driving in two runs during a strong 3-for-4 performance. However, Concord's seven-run second inning proved decisive, as defensive miscues and timely hitting allowed the Mountain Lions to seize control. WVSU continued to battle, adding a run in the sixth, but could not complete the comeback. Spolarich drove in three runs to lead the offense, while Paulsen and Angel Oquendo combined for five hits in the loss.

Yellow Jackets will be at home next weekend, April 25 and 26, hosting Davis & Elkins for two doubleheaders.