VALDOSTA, Ga. – West Alabama gave up four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to fall to Valdosta State 6-1 in the series finale at Billy Grant Field on Sunday. The Blazers picked up the 2-1 series win after splitting the doubleheader with the Tigers the day before.

It is the first Gulf South Conference series loss of the season for West Alabama. The Tigers now fall to 12-14 on the season, 6-3 in the conference. Valdosta State claims its first GSC series win and improves to 12-11 overall, 2-6 in the conference.

Jeremy Holcomb (4-2) claimed the victory on the mound after pitching through six innings and giving up only one run and seven hits. Nick Bolleter (2-3) pitched through the first seven innings for the Tigers and gave up five runs on seven hits to record his third loss of the season. Bolleter tallied four strikeouts against the Blazers to put him at 41 total strikeouts this season, breaking his 40 total strikeouts all last season.

Michael Gouge led Valdosta State at the plate with two runs, two hits and one RBI in four at-bats. Joel Murphy led the Tigers at the plate, finishing 4-4. Brett Langham scored the only run of the game for UWA in the top of the first inning on an RBI by Josh Podoris to pick up a quick 1-0 lead. Langham ended the series with Valdosta State with five total runs.

West Alabama will now return home to Tartt Field to host its next five games. The home stretch begins with Arkansas Tech on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

Valdosta State will remain home to host in-state conference opponent Shorter in a three game series starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at 2 p.m.