Valdosta State University (VSU) is set to host Delta State University this weekend for a pivotal three-game baseball series at Billy Grant Field. The matches, part of the Gulf South Conference (GSC), kick off on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 14:00 local time. Game two will follow approximately 40 minutes after the first game concludes, while the final game of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 13:00.
The Blazers, currently holding a record of 7-15 overall and 5-7 in GSC play, face a challenging matchup against Delta State, which boasts a 13-7 record with a 9-3 mark in conference play. VSU enters this series looking to improve after winning only one of their last five games. Notably, the team secured a narrow 3-2 victory over then-No. 8 West Alabama, largely thanks to a remarkable complete game by senior pitcher Drake LaRoche.
The Blazers displayed offensive power earlier this week, scoring 14 runs and recording 18 hits in a grueling 13-inning game against Embry-Riddle. Despite their impressive performance, they faced a setback last Tuesday against the nation’s top-ranked team, Tampa.
As the leading hitter for Valdosta State, junior Charlie Banks enters the weekend with a .351 batting average, seven home runs, and 21 runs batted in (RBI). His offensive prowess was on full display as he contributed two home runs against Embry-Riddle. Senior Jackson Webster has also been a valuable asset, maintaining a .291 batting average with 16 hits and a .443 on-base percentage.
The lineup is further bolstered by sophomore Parker Ladd, who has been exceptionally productive since joining the starting rotation, boasting a .450 batting average with two home runs and nine RBIs. Senior Brent Howard contributes with a .296 average and leads the team with 24 hits and 15 RBIs, while junior Luke Flading has added 11 RBIs with a .281 batting average.
On the pitching front, LaRoche has been a standout, holding a 3.89 earned run average (ERA) and registering 29 strikeouts over 37.0 innings pitched. Junior Garrett Moody leads the team with 34 strikeouts and has made six starts this season, while junior Jack Butler is expected to fill the third starter role after delivering solid performances in recent weeks.
Delta State enters the series ranked near the top of the GSC standings, featuring several hitters with impressive statistics. Notable players include Levi Lang, batting .361, Austin Estes at .343, and Tucker Jones, who holds a .333 average with 22 RBIs and a perfect 15-for-15 record in stolen base attempts.
The Statesmen’s pitching staff is also formidable, led by Adrian Byrd, who has an impressive 1.76 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 30.2 innings.
Historically, Delta State has the advantage in their all-time series against VSU, leading 37-27 since their encounters began in 2003. Last season, Delta State won the series in Cleveland, Mississippi, two games to one.
The first pitch for Friday’s doubleheader is set for 14:00 at Billy Grant Field, with the series finale scheduled for Saturday at 13:00. Fans can find live stats, coverage, streaming links, and more by visiting vstateblazers.com. Additionally, updates will be available through the team’s social media channels, @VState_Blazers and @VState_Baseball.
