HATTIESBURG – Delta State University senior closer Levi Bishop struck out the side in the ninth Wednesday to preserve a 7-6 victory for the Statesmen over the Crusaders of William Carey University at Milton Wheeler Field. The win brings the Statesmen to .500 on the season at 5-5, while the Crusaders slide to 6-4.

After falling behind 4-1 early in the contest, the Statesmen clawed their way back into the game with four runs in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead. Three-straight extra base hits by Michael Niemann (3B), Devin Goodwin (2B), and Clay Sartain (2B) drove in the much needed runs.

Carey answered back in the bottom of the inning with two runs to reclaim a 6-5 lead.

DSU tied it up in the top of the seventh when senior shortstop Devin Goodwin launched a towering shot over the left field fence. It was the first home run of the season for Goodwin.

In the ninth, junior transfer Will McGinnis smashed a pinch-hit home run to give the Statesmen the lead at 7-6.

After allowing the first two runners on base, Bishop came on in relief of Nathan Hardy, who had worked three scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Bishop, a 5-foot-8 senior from Saltillo, mowed down the top of the Crusaders' order with runners on the corners to seal the win.

Hardy (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Bishop claimed his second saved after working a scoreless ninth. Logan Willis started the game for the Statesmen, working 2.1 innings allowing two earned runs. Cesar Rodriguez also worked 2.2 innings of four run relief.

WCU's Matt Carter (1-2) was saddled with the loss after working five innings of relief. Carter allowed two runs, both solo home runs, on just three hits with three strikeouts.

Goodwin paced the Statesmen at the plate on the day, going 3-for-5 with a double, home run and two RBIs. The Russellville, Ala., native also scored two runs.

T.J. Hitt was the only other Statesmen with two hits. Clay Sartain, Michael Niemann, Kellen Bozeman, and Chase Blanchard all provided a hit each.

The Crusaders' Jason Terrell drove in four runs in the loss.

The Statesmen will host in-region foe Florida Southern College this weekend for a three-game series at Ferriss Field. Friday's single game is scheduled for 3 p.m., while Saturday's doubleheader will start at 1 p.m. Live stats and video will be available for this weekend's series. Tickets are on sale now at the DSU Athletic Ticket Office or online at www.GoStatesmen.com.