GULF SHORES, Ala. — No. 18 Rogers State (1-1) bounced back in game two of the Gulf Shores Invitational with a 6-2 win over Valdosta State (0-1) on Friday.
The Hillcats accumulated 12 hits, including two doubles and scored early with two runs in the first inning, followed by four more in the second. RSU's pitching staff held the Blazers to just four hits and two runs over seven innings.
Rogers State started strong in the first inning with
Saylor Brown and
Jaden Jordan reaching base, leading to a 2-RBI single by
Karlee Smith. This early offensive push gave the Hillcats a 2-0 lead. Valdosta State responded with baserunners in the bottom of the inning but left them stranded, leaving the score 2–0 after the first.
In the second inning, RSU capitalized on a defensive error and recorded five hits, resulting in four additional runs. Key contributions came from Brown's sacrifice fly and Jordan's 2-RBI single. Smith added an RBI single, extending the Cats' lead to 6–0 after two innings, while the Blazers were held scoreless in their half.
Valdosta State managed to score in the fourth inning on an RBI single to drive in a run, reducing the deficit to 6–1. However, RSU maintained its lead with effective pitching and defense, preventing further scoring.
In the sixth inning, the Blazers added another run with a solo homer from Annalise Buncy, narrowing the gap to 6–2. Despite this effort, the Hillcats' defense held firm, and VSU failed to mount a further comeback.
The Hillcats secured a 6–2 victory, effectively utilizing early offensive momentum and strong pitching to maintain control throughout the game.
Freshman
Kinsley Hill (1-0) picked up her first career win in her collegiate debut. The Dale, Oklahoma, native pitched 4.0 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out one and walking two. Transfer
Selena Zuniga contributed 2.0 innings, giving up two hits and one earned run, while recording a strikeout with no walks. Sophomore transfer
Erica Ross closed with a scoreless inning, striking out one and permitting no hits or walks.
Brown recorded two hits and drove in two runs, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Jordan also made an impact by driving in two runs while scoring twice himself. Smith collected two hits and led the team with three RBIs.
Mariah Belzer added a pair of extra-base hits with two doubles.
The Hillcats will return to play for the triple-header finale against Florida Tech at approximately 4:15 p.m.
