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Vincennes University

Blazers Drop Finale at Cleveland State

Blazers Drop Finale at Cleveland State
Box Score
February 8, 2026

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Vincennes University Baseball closed out its four-game road series at Cleveland State Community College on Sunday with a 12–1 loss, moving to 0-4 overall on the season.

The Trailblazers struck first in the opening inning when freshman Ethan Papalios connected for a solo home run, giving VU an early 1–0 advantage. Papalios finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, a home run, and the team's lone RBI. Freshman Lucas Frack added a hit, while the Trailblazers drew four walks but were limited to three total hits in the contest.

After VU grabbed a 1–0 lead in the first, Cleveland State took control in the fourth on a two-run home run that flipped the score to 2–1. The Cougars added to their advantage in the fifth before breaking the game open in the sixth, capitalizing on walks and timely hits to plate eight runs.

Sophomore Jacob Allen delivered a strong start on the mound, working 4.0 innings and allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out four. Freshmen Carter Williams, Elijah Papalios, Drake Hoffa, and Jacob Tenbarge all saw action in relief as VU continued to evaluate arms early in the season.

Head Coach Chris Barney, in his 18th season at the helm, pointed to Allen's effort as a bright spot in the finale. "Jacob threw really well and gave us a chance," Barney said. "When you only score one run, it's hard to win games. We played better defensively today, but we've got to get our bullpen and our hitters figured out."

Despite the final score, Barney emphasized the competitiveness of the weekend and the opportunity for growth moving forward. "It was a tough weekend, but we played a very competitive Cleveland State team," he said. "We'll get back at it this week, clean some things up, and improve in areas that will help our team."

Vincennes now turns its attention to the home opener on Friday, February 14, as the Trailblazers host Schoolcraft College for a single game at 4 p.m. EST at Jerry Blemker Field.

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