VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Thomas University baseball team continued to experience growing pains Wednesday evening, as the Night Hawks fell to Valdosta State 12-2 in seven innings at Billy Grant Field.
Once again, TU (13-12, 0-6 SUN) outhit its opponent (nine hits to seven).  Freshman Right-Hander Anthony Menendez (1-3) lasted two and one-third innings, allowing two earned runs in four hits with two strikeouts.  Freshmen Khadin Bastian and Michael Sowers led TU's batters on the day as both went 2-for-3 from the dish.
 
Down 7-0 in the sixth inning, Thomas found its hitting stride with Bastian and Freshman Matthew Delay Jr. hitting leadoff singles before Redshirt Junior Anthony Dorak was walked to load the bases.  Redshirt Freshman Cameron Rosario followed up with a grounder to third that allowed Bastian to score the Night Hawks' first run of the game.
 
After Valdosta State (13-5, 6-2 GSC) responded with four more runs to extend its lead to nine runs (11-1), Sowers got on base in the top of the seventh with another single before getting in scoring position off a passed ball.  Sophomore William Martinez recorded his first RBI of the season on a base hit towards right field that allowed Sowers to put on the after-burners to round third and score.
 
TU by the Numbers
2:        Runs scored
7:        Hits allowed by pitching staff
10:      Season RBI for Cameron Rosario
12:      Games TU has hit .300 or better
17:      Players that played
 
Thomas is back on the diamond Friday to resume SUN Conference play in a three-game series against #1 Southeastern.  First pitch at Varnedoe Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m.
 
For up-to-date information on this series and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, and feature stories of your TU baseball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksBaseba.