Mississippi Valley State Ends 17-Game Losing Streak Against Bethune-Cookman

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State defeated Bethune-Cookman 8-6 on Thursday, ending a 17-game losing streak against the Wildcats dating back to April 2022, according to the school.

The Wildcats, who entered the game tied for first place in the conference and had recently defeated No. 24 LSU, had dominated the series historically, leading 19-3 since 1983. The win marked Valley’s first in the series since April 2025, when they beat Bethune-Cookman 15-5.

Several players contributed offensively for the Delta Devils. Jaxon Haynes and Ty Burns each homered, with Burns hitting a pinch-hit solo shot. Chris Soeder launched his tenth career home run, a two-RBI shot, continuing his power surge. Luke Richard earned the pitching win, allowing four runs over six innings with four strikeouts. Logan Darnell secured his second save of the season, striking out two in three innings.

Johnny Escobalez Jr. showcased small-ball skills, logging a sacrifice fly and stealing a base. Both Eric Williams and Cody Leming had multi-hit games, going 4-for-8 combined with a run scored each. The Wildcats’ offense was led by Andrey Martinez, who doubled twice and drove in two runs, and Ty Burns, whose home run provided the final margin. Martinez and Jeter Polledo each homered in the ninth inning for Bethune-Cookman.

Mississippi Valley State will host a doubleheader against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m., with both games broadcast on SWAC TV. Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at @ValleyStateBSB for updates.

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