ITTA BENA - The Delta Devils (6-15) of Mississippi Valley State scored nine runs on 12 hits en route to a 9-4 victory over the No. 21 Statesmen (17-9-1) of Delta State University at Magnolia Field on Tuesday.

MVSU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, scoring three unearned runs off Statesmen starter Jordan Moore. 

The Statesmen came back in the top of the third inning to tie it at 3-3.  With two outs, Bill Ray Todd smashed a double down the right field line.  Michael Niemann followed with an RBI single to center.  Josh Gordon strolled to the plate and drilled MVSU starter Steven Barnes (1-3) offering over the scoreboard in right for a two-run home run. 

The Delta Devils plated four runs in the bottom of the fourth off reliever Josh Branstetter (1-2) to take a commanding 7-3 lead.  DSU had a chance to get out of the inning with little damage, but an interference call on Gordon led to the big inning for MVSU.

MVSU's Chris Herron delivered a two-RBI double in the sixth for a 9-3 lead. 

DSU's Chase Blanchard connected on a solo home run in the seventh to make it 9-4 Valley, but the Statesmen could not reach the Delta Devils bullpen in their final two chances.

Barnes worked 6.0 innings allowing four runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts to earn the win. 

Branstetter took the loss for the Statesmen after working 1.2 innings of relief, allowing four runs, three earned, on three hits with two strikeouts.  James Denton (1.0), Coty Saranthus (1.2) and Jason Judge (1.0) all worked in relief. 

Todd, Niemann and Gordon collected two hits each to lead DSU at the plate.

MVSU's Donquarius Farmer went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

The Statesmen return to action on Wednesday, as Delta State hosts William Carey University.  First pitch is set for 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3:45 p.m.  Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call.