VALDOSTA - Georgia Southwestern scored three runs on three hits in the first inning, but was held scoreless the rest of the way scattering four hits in a non-conference baseball matchup at Valdosta State on Wednesday evening as the Blazers went on to a 7-3 win.

GSW has lost four of its last five games and falls to 3-16 this spring. VSU improves to 8-6.

The Hurricanes came out swinging at Billy Grant Field on Wednesday, jumping to a 3-0 lead in the first inning after RBI singles from Gabby Ramirez and Blane Parker. With a hit batter, two singles and a walk, VSU starter Ben Watson was quickly pulled from the game. Dom Demasi allowed the single to Parker before settling in for 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The three-run inning gives GSW a total of 13 runs scored in the first inning this season making the opening frame its most productive inning of the game. The 13 runs account for almost 20 percent of the 'Canes offense through the opening 19 contests.

VSU quickly answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning and took the lead for good in the third when two more runners crossed the plate.

A pair of singles around a walk in the fourth gave the Blue & Gold its best opportunity to recapture the lead, but the final two batters of the frame went down quietly and GSW was left with the bases loaded.

The Blazers added single runs in the fifth, seventh and eighth.

The Hurricanes put three more runners on in the ninth behind their final two hits and a VSU error, but left the bases juiced once again to end the game.

Ramirez and Corey Benson collected two hits apiece to lead GSW at the plate. Parker drove in two. Michel Coffey extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single in the fourth inning.

Ryan Noelte, Chaz Bagwell, Christian Glisson and Cooper Lemonds had two hits apiece for VSU. Bagwell scored three runs. Glisson score twice and both of his hits were doubles. Bagwell belted a solo home run in the seventh inning.

Hunter Thompson (0-1) made his first start of the spring for the Hurricanes. He allowed five runs - three earned - in 4 1/3 innings while walking one and striking out five. Cameron Blinn pitched 2 2/3 innings (one run) before Gray Carden entered for the eighth (one run).

Benjamin Weil (1-0) earned the win for VSU after 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Steven Groves pitched a scoreless ninth.

GSW returns to conference play this weekend when Lander comes to Americus for a three-game series that opens with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.