INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- Saturday was Opening Day for the Malone University baseball team. The Pioneers traveled to the 'Mountain State' for a doubleheader with the West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets.

Malone was dropped both games vs WVSU to open up the season.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Game 1: West Virginia State 5 - Malone 2
• Game 2: West Virginia State 6 - Malone 3
• Records: Malone University Pioneers (0-2, 0-0 G-MAC) | West Virginia State Yellow Jackets (2-0, 0-0 MEC)
• Location: Institute, West Virginia | Shawnee Sports Complex

Game One
Pioneer pitcher Josh Salinas was firing out of the gates. He pitched four innings on the mound giving up just one run, while striking out three. 

The Pioneer offense picked up in the sixth when JC Philippi singled through the left side to nod the score at 1-1. Moments later, Jake Aleman singled up the middle bringing Anthony Ryan home and propelling Malone into a 2-1 lead.

West Virginia State wasted no time in responding, mounting a powerful comeback with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

This surge not only shifted the momentum but also catapulted them into a 5-2 win.

Game Two
Redshirt Freshman Mark Bunch took the mound to start game two for Malone.  He delivered a solid performance, pitching two innings and conceding two runs, both of which were unearned.

In the second, Allen Diaz ripped a single up the middle to score a run and help chip away at the deficit. The next inning, Anthony Ryan's Sacrifice fly drove in another run to even the score at 2-2.

The Yellow Jackets added two more runs to their tally in the bottom of the third inning, extending their lead two 4-2.

Malone managed to add another run, but despite their efforts, it wasn't sufficient enough as they fell short in game two, ultimately loosing 6-3.

Details

• JC Philippi had two hits and an RBI in game one
• Josh Salinas gave up just one run while striking out three in his first start of the season.
• Devin Brown contributed multi hit performance in game two, while also scoring a run

What's Next
Malone will travel to the Prasco Park complex in Mason, Ohio next week for a four-game series with West Liberty University. 

The series features a doubleheader each day on February 23 and 24. First pitch both days is set for 12:00 p.m.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.