PEARL – After scoring two runs in the top of the second to tie the game at three, the Delta State University baseball team could only muster one more run over the next seven innings, falling 8-4 to West Alabama at Trustmark Park.

The Tigers (17-8) plated eight runs on 14 hits off of three different Statesmen pitchers to take the annual contest at the home of the Double-A Mississippi Braves. It was a three-run sixth inning that sealed the victory for West Alabama, highlighted by a two-RBI double by Bryan Mason to stretch the lead to 7-4. Dallas Rogers followed with an RBI double, stretching the lead to 8-4.

Delta State (16-10) finished the game with eight hits, seven walks and five hit batsmen, but left 15 runners on base and committed four errors in the field in the losing effort.

The majority of the Statesmen offense came on a two-out, two-RBI double by Clay Sartain, who tied the school record for career doubles with 60, in the top of the second inning.

Cesar Rodriguez (2-1) was charged with the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits with two walks in 2.2 innings in his second start of the season.

Josh Varner (5-1) earned the win in relief of starter Trevor Zugmaier. Varner pitched 3.2 innings allowing one run on one hit. J.B. Black (2) earned the save in the ninth.

The Statesmen host Christian Brothers in a key Gulf South Conference West Division series this weekend at Ferriss Field in Cleveland. Saturday's doubleheader is set for a 3 p.m. first pitch; while Sunday's single game will begin at 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch.