Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University Statesmen (14-9, 2-0 GSC) swept the University of Arkansas-Monticello (9-10, 0-2 GSC) 16-5 and 8-1 on Saturday at Ferriss Field in the Gulf South Conference West Division opening weekend. DSU starters Aaron Newcomb and Brandon Hardin combined to strikeout 17 Boll Weevils while providing some continuity on the mound for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second, as Brent Kakwitch drove in a run on a sac-fly RBI and a wild pitch brought home the second run for the green-and-white.

DSU made it 3-0 in the third on Cameron Robulak's sac-fly RBI allowed Michael Niemann to score from third.

UAM finally got on the board in the fourth, plating a run on an RBI ground out by Sam Wilkins, to cut the DSU lead to 3-1.

The Statesmen added two runs in the bottom of the fourth without an RBI. Justin Badon started the scoring by swiping home on a double steal attempt. Niemann crossed the plate for the second time in the game on a wild pitch from UAM starter Reece Cross.

Leading 5-1 going into the top of the fifth, UAM's Chase Stokes smashed a three-run home run to left and TJ Cox tied it up for the Boll Weevils with an RBI single to left.

In the bottom of the fifth, Statesmen designated hitter Robulak drove in four runs on a solo home run and a three-RBI double off the right field wall and DSU plated eight runs on six hits to take a commanding 13-5 lead. Niemann and Will McGinnis were hit on back-to-back pitches to score runs and Vinson closed the inning with an RBI single to center.

After a scoreless sixth for UAM, the Statesmen plated three runs to take a 16-5 lead. McGinnis and Bozeman picked up their second RBIs of the game in the frame.

Statesmen starter Aaron Newcomb (4-3) closed out the seventh for the complete game victory. The junior from Centralia, Ill., allowed five runs on five hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.

Ross (3-2) took the loss for the Boll Weevils after surrendering nine runs on eight hits. UAM also used Coda Medlin (0.2), Brent Noble (0.1) and Chris Kirckcey (1.0) in relief.

Robulak led the Statesmen with five RBIs on a 3 for 3 day at the plate. McGinnis and Bozeman also drove in two runs, while Vinson went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Stokes led UAM at the plate with three RBIs on a 2 for 3 day.

In game two, Kellen Bozeman put the Statesmen up 1-0 in the first inning with an RBI single to right. Niemann scored on the play.

Bozeman struck again in the third, as the senior from Baton Rouge, La., delivered an RBI triple to center. Niemann scored his second run of game two to put the green-and-white up 2-0.

DSU tacked on three insurance runs and took a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth. The Statesmen scored two runs on a throwing error at the plate, as Hermann and Badon came around to score on Demarcus Rieves errant toss to Jon Tatum. After Kakwitch reached on a fielder's choice and moved around to third on a wild pitch, Bozeman collected his third RBI of the game on a sac-fly to right, scoring Kakwitch.

UAM clawed back into the game in the sixth, as Fernando Garcia, who doubled to leadoff the inning, came in to score on Chase Stokes' RBI groundout to first.

RBIs by Hermann and Niemann allowed the Statesmen to score three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth, taking a commanding 8-1 lead.

Hardin (3-2) claimed the win for the Statesmen, pitching 7.0 innings while allowing one run on five hits with nine strikeouts. It's the first complete game victory for the junior from Pickneyville, Ill.

Brandon Miller (1-3) earned the loss for UAM.

Bozeman finished game two with four RBIs to lead the Statesmen. Hermann and Niemann also drove in one run each for DSU.

The Statesmen and Boll Weevils conclude the series on Sunday at Ferriss Field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network. Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith have the call.