CLEVELAND - The Delta State University Statesmen (13-6-1, 1-1 GSC) and the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers (13-9, 1-1 GSC) split the Gulf South Conference opening doubleheader on Saturday at Ferriss Field 8-9 and 4-3. 

In game one, an eight run explosion in the eighth inning erased an 8-1 Delta State lead propelling the Tigers to the 9-8 victory.  Brock Green's three-run home run provided the spark OBU needed to the top the Statesmen. 

OBU's Zac Treece (5-0) made it stand up in the relief,  while Nick Holtgrieve (6) slammed the door in the ninth for the save.  Sam McGill started the game for the Tigers, working 7.0 innings, allowing five runs on nine hits. 

DSU's Coty Sarathus (1-2) was saddled with the loss.  The junior allowed four runs, three earned, in relief of starter Cody Kelley.  Kelley worked 7.0 innings allowing five runs on 10 hits.

Green went 3-for-5 with a run scored and five RBIs to lead the Tigers.  Will Gowdy went 1-for-4 with two RBIs as well. 

Will McGinnis led DSU at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. 

Game two proved to more of a pitcher's duel, as the Statesmen outlasted the Tigers 4-3. 

The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead on an RBI single by Cass Via in the first and a two-run home run by Landon Flax in the fifth, but the Tigers pitching staff could keep the Statesmen at bay.

DSU begin the comeback in the bottom of the fifth, as Matt Discon (1) connected on a solo home run to left. 

After a scoreless sixth, the Statesmen rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to claim the 4-3 win.  Cade Hoggard and Will McGinnis delivered RBI singles to tie the game at 3-3, and Patrick Taylor, with the bases loaded, drew a hit-by-pitch to bring home the game-winning run. 

Jason Coats (3-0) earned the complete game win, tossing 7.0 innings of three run, five hit baseball.  The Starkville native walked three and struck out seven in the win.

Holtgrieve (0-1) took the loss for the Tigers.

Game three of the series is set for Sunday at Ferriss Field.  First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.  Jimmy Smith and the Statesmen Sports Network will broadcast the game, joining in progress after the completion of the NCAA South Regional Semifinal between Delta State and Valdosta State from Russellville, Ark.