CLEVELAND – The No. 14 Statesmen (3-1-1) of Delta State University jumped out to a 10-0 lead over the Falcons (3-5) of the University of Montevallo and cruised to a 19-4 win on Wednesday in the home opener at Ferriss Field.

The Statesmen erupted for six runs and batted around in the first inning off UM starter Caleb McLeod (0-1).

DSU would add single runs in the second and third before scoring two runs in the fourth to take a 10-0.

The Statesmen behind a two-RBI double from Cade Hoggard and RBI singles from Rickey Ware and Chris Escobar plated six more runs in the fifth to go up 16-1.

The Statesmen tacked on three additional runs in the eighth, while the Falcons added three runs in the eighth and ninth innings to close the game at 19-4.

Cody Kelley (1-0) worked 4.0 innings of scoreless baseball to earn the win for the Statesmen. The Louisville native allowed just two hits with one walk and four strikeouts in the win. Jason Coats, Tim Maloney and Jordan Moore all worked in relief.

McLeod took the loss after working 1.1 innings and allowing seven earned runs on four hits.

Josh Gordon went 4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBIs to pace DSU. Michael Niemann added two doubles in a 3-for-4 performance, while Escobar went 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Patrick Strack also collected three RBIs with a double in the first.

UM's Josh Headley and Chris Sosebee collected two hits apiece.

The Statesmen and Falcons will conclude the series on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Ferriss Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 2:45 p.m. with the “SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.” Matt Jones and J.T. Webb have the call.