CLEVELAND – The Delta State University baseball team spilt a Sunday doubleheader with Harding, losing the first game 1-12, but took the series 2-1 after a big win in game three, 11-6. The Statesmen improve to 21-11 overall and 8-1 in league play, while the Bison fall to 19-18 and 4-5.

Harding took an early 3-1 lead in game one before Adam Darby's three-run home run gave the Bison a 6-1 lead and they never looked back. Harding tacked on three runs each in fifth and seventh innings to get the win 12-1.

Cody Kelley (3-2) took the loss, pitching 3.2 innings, while giving up seven runs on six hits.

Brodie Brumley (3-3) grabbed the win, pitching a complete game, while allowing one run on six hits.

In game two, the Statesmen returned to form leading 2-1 after the first inning on Kellen Bozeman's two-run home run.

Harding scored three runs in the top of the third; however, Delta State was able to rebound in the bottom half to keep the score tied at 4-4.

After giving up a run in the fourth and fifth innings, the Statesmen rallied for seven in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 11-6 lead. After RBI singles by Steven Oswald and Matthew Little, Devin Goodwin's RBI double gave the Statesmen the lead again, 7-6. Michael Niemann (2) homered to right field plating two more runs to close out the inning.

Toby Easterly (2-2) earned the win, pitching 3.1 innings of relief, allowing one run on three hits.

Josh Creveling (2-2) gets the loss, pitching 0.2 innings, while giving up six runs on four hits in relief.

Kellen Bozeman finished 2-for-4 on the day, with three RBI and a home run to lead the Statesmen.

The Statesmen will return to action on Wednesday, April 1, as Delta State hosts William Carey University for a single game. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3:45 p.m. Matt Jones and Dan Hawthorne will have the call.