Martin, Tenn. — Mississippi Valley State University’s baseball team defeated Tennessee-Martin 5-3 on Tuesday, marking its first non-conference Division I win since 2018, according to the school.
The Diamond Devils (3-10) snapped a losing streak and improved their record outside of Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Their last non-conference Division I victory was against Arkansas State on Feb. 22, 2019.
Tennessee-Martin, from the Ohio Valley Conference, fell to 7-8. The Skyhawks lead the all-time series 10-1, with their last win over MVSU coming on March 7, 2026.
Jace Jones was a key contributor for the Diamond Devils, delivering a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning to give MVSU the lead. Jones also walked and scored earlier in the game. Pitchers Kobe Ladd, Brock Lenhardt and Gage Deutsch limited the Skyhawks’ offense from the fifth inning onward, allowing just three hits and one walk with three strikeouts.
Lenhardt earned his first career win at a four-year school, while Deutsch recorded his first collegiate save. Tanner Aoki led MVSU at the plate with two singles and two RBIs, along with a walk and a steal. Other players reaching safely more than once included Eric Williams, Israel Ramos and Aiden Meyer.
Mississippi Valley State will attempt to beat a second non-conference Division I opponent this season for the first time in 11 years when they face New Orleans on Tuesday night. The game continues the program’s efforts to build momentum outside of conference play.
