CANTON -- On Tuesday afternoon the Malone University baseball team played their first, and only scheduled, home non-conference game of the 2022 season.

The Pioneers welcomed the West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets to Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium. 

West Virginia State (9-6, 2-2 MEC) was able to hold off a late Malone (9-11, 1-3 G-MAC) rally to pick up the 7-6 midweek win. 

After the two teams split a doubleheader on Opening Day of the 2022 season, today's win gives the Yellow Jackets the season series victory.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The Yellow Jackets got things started early by scoring three runs on three hits in the top of the first inning. However, the Pioneers quickly answered back. 

Evan Balzano, JC Philippi, and Eric Baum each had RBI singles to tie the game at 3-3. Then, with two outs in the inning, Jaxon Snyder doubled home both Baum and Philippi to put Malone ahead 5-3. 

Unfortunately WVSU responded with two runs on just one hit and one Pioneer error in the top of the second to retake a 6-5 lead.

Tyson Gingerich drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the second. He later stole both second and third base. A throwing error by the Yellow Jacket catcher allowed him to score the game-tying run. 

At that point the game settled into a bit of a stalemate with both pitching staffs doing an outstanding job of limiting opportunities. 

The Yellow Jackets scored an unearned run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth that served as the final tally of the game. 

Malone rallied in the bottom of the ninth by getting both the tying and winning runs on base. Unfortunately WVSU ended the game with a strikeout to secure the 7-6 win.

PIONEER POINTS

• Nate Plack pitched six full innings of relief out of the bullpen. He struck out six batters, and the lone run that he surrendered was unearned. 
• Bryce Layton tossed a flawless top of the ninth inning in relief of Plack. He needed just nine pitches to retire the Yellow Jackets in order. 
• JC Philippi was 3-4 at the plate with one RBI and one run scored.
• Evan Balzano, Eric Baum and Andrew Hanna each had a pair of base hits for the Pioneers. 
• Cameron Martin and Jaxon Snyder each doubled. 
• Tyson Gingerich added two more stolen bases to his season total of 16.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pioneers shift their focus back to Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play this weekend. 

Malone is set to host a four-game series with crosstown rival Walsh University. 

The series is scheduled to get underway on Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium.