CLEVELAND – Kellen Bozeman's solo blast to leftfield off the 2004 National Championship sign proved to be the game-winning hit Friday, as the No. 20 ranked Statesmen of Delta State University defeated the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas-Monticello Friday night at Ferriss Field 12-10. The Statesmen improved to 25-13 overall and 11-2 in Gulf South Conference play. The Weevils fell to 7-28-1, and 1-9 in league play.

It was a historic night for Statesmen closer Levi Bishop, a 5-foot-8 senior from Saltillo. Bishop picked up his 13th career save to tie J.D. Robinson (1996-1997) for the career saves lead at Delta State. The lefty has four saves this year, after recording nine last season.

The Statesmen jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on four hits.

UAM starter Richard Atwood would keep the Statesmen at bay for the next three innings, allowing the Weevils to take command of the game in the top of the fourth with six runs.

Trailing 3-6 in the fifth, the Statesmen plated seven runs to take a 10-6 lead into the fifth. The big shots in the inning came on a two-RBI single by Bozeman and a two-RBI triple by Josh Gordon.

The Weevils would not go quietly, as UAM erupted for four runs in the top of the sixth, tying the game at 10-10.

Bozeman's shot in the bottom of the sixth gave the Statesmen the lead once again at 11-10.

DSU added an insurance run in the seventh, as Devin Goodwin drove in Gordon with a groundout to short.

The Statesmen bullpen shut down the Weevils over the final three innings for the 12-10 win.

Bishop worked the final three innings for the save.

Korey Cunningham started the game for DSU, working 5.0 innings allowing eight runs on 10 hits. Marcus Wilson (1-0) worked 1.0 inning to earn the win in relief.

UAM's Casey Cathcart (1-2) took the loss after working 1.1 innings allowing four runs. Atwood got the start, working four innings. Maness faced one batter in the fifth, while Chance Adams worked the final 2.2 innings.

Bozeman went 2-for-4 with a home run (3) and three RBIs to lead DSU. Hoggard went 2-for-4 as well, while Gordon went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Blaine Ivey went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead UAM.

The Statesmen and Boll Weevils will continue the series Saturday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader at Ferriss Field. The Statesmen will be recognizing their seniors starting at 1:40 p.m., and Saturday will also be “Cancer Awareness Day.” The series will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch. Matt Jones and Dan Hawthorne will have the call.