ITTA BENA, Miss. — Noah Bufford delivered a standout performance with two home runs, including the game-winner in the eighth inning, to lead Mississippi Valley State to a 12-10 victory over SWAC rival Grambling State in the series opener.

The Delta Devils set the tone early with a five-run first inning, highlighted by home runs from Benny Hernandez and Kendall Brookins.

Senior pitcher Brayden Eftink turned in his longest outing of the season, going five innings on the mound. He also contributed at the plate, reaching base twice with a hit and a walk. James Snipes earned the win in relief, while Logan Darnell secured the save.

Bufford was the clear hero of the night. He launched a home run to center field earlier in the game to give Valley a 9-8 lead, then came through again in the bottom of the eighth with a clutch two-run blast to break a 10-10 tie and seal the win.

The Delta Devils wrap up the season on Friday with a doubleheader at Magnolia Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., with Game 2 set to begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener.