CLEVELAND – The Delta State University baseball team split a Wednesday doubleheader with the University of Montevallo 19-11 and 4-5 at Ferriss Field. The Statesmen fall to 3-3 on the season, while the Falcons improve to 5-3.
In game two, Montevallo scored three runs in the top of the seventh to steal a win from the Statesmen and split the doubleheader Wednesday at Ferriss Field.
The Statesmen rallied for four runs in the third inning to take an early lead. The Falcons scored two runs in the fourth to cut the lead in half, 4-2.
Kevin Garcia came in to pinch hit in the seventh, and knocked in two runs on a single into right center to give UM the 5-4 lead.
Levi Bishop (0-1) earned his first loss on the season, giving up two runs on three hits in relief.
Caleb McLeod (1-0) picked up his first win on the year, allowing just one hit in one inning of work.
After spotting Montevallo nine runs in the opening two innings, the No. 2-ranked Statesmen responded with 19 unanswered runs in game one of the double-header Wednesday afternoon for a 19-11 win.
The Statesmen scored a run in the second, and then exploded in the third inning with nine runs to take the lead 10-9 and never looked back.
The Falcons threatened in the bottom half of the seventh knocking in two runs, but
Chris Ferriss slammed the door on the Falcons opportunity.
Nine Statesmen on the roster had at least two hits led by
Michael Niemann and
Matthew Little, who finished with three hits apiece.
Niemann went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while Little finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a home run (1).
Senior Cesar Rodriguez earned his first win on the season coming in relief, pitching 4.1 innings allowing just two runs on two hits.
Mitch Holcombe earned the loss, lasting just two innings, while giving up eight runs on seven hits.
The Statesmen are on the road this weekend against West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., for a three game series. Saturday's doubleheader starts at 1 p.m., while Sunday's single game starts at 2 p.m. All three games will be played at Spooner Field at Pelican Park.
