Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University Statesmen (15-9, 3-0 GSC) completed the three-game Gulf South Conference series sweep of the University of Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils (9-11, 0-3 GSC) with a 17-5 victory at Ferriss Field on Sunday. The victory was a monumental one for Statesmen skipper Mike Kinnison, as the Benton native tied legendary former DSU head coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss with 639 career wins. Ferriss set the mark in 26 seasons as head coach.

UAM got a break on their first run of the game, as Statesmen catcher Jon Carnahan couldn't hang onto to Anthony Even's throw, allowing Justin Hollis to score from third. The Boll Weevils made it 2-0 in the top of the third on Chase Stokes' RBI single to right.

The Statesmen put together another big inning in the bottom of the third, scoring six runs to take the 6-2 lead. Craig Hermann, Will McGinnis, Kellen Bozeman, Cameron Robulak, Jon Carnahan and Anthony Even, who collected two hits in the frame with a bunt single and double.

DSU tacked on two more runs in the fourth to take the 8-2 lead. After an infield single by Michael Niemann, McGinnis brought him around to score on a triple to center. The senior from Springdale, Ark., scored two pitches later, as UAM starter Eddie Smith's pitch sailed to the backstop.

The Statesmen added three more runs in the fifth, taking a commanding 11-2 lead. Vinson led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Even followed up with an RBI triple to center. Niemann closed the scoring for DSU with a two-RBI triple off the right field wall, Hermann and Badon scored on the hit.

Taylor Smith's two-run home run in the top of the sixth finally ended Delta State's scoring streak and cut the UAM deficit to 11-4.

The Boll Weevils continued to claw into the DSU lead in the top of the seventh off reliever Garrett Pickens, as Stokes delivered an RBI double to left that allowed Sam Wilkins to score from second. The double cut the DSU lead to six, 11-5.

The Statesmen put it away in the bottom of the seventh, plating six runs to claim the 17-5 run-rule victory. Bozeman put an exclamation on the weekend, ending the game and claiming the series sweep with a grand slam to left.

Josh Branstetter (3-1) claimed the win for the Statesmen after throwing 6.0 innings. The sophomore from Pensacola, Fla., allowed four runs on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Pickens worked 1.0 inning, giving up one run on a hit with two strikeouts.

UAM's Eddie Smith (3-2) was saddled with the loss after giving up 10 earned runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings of work.

Bozeman collected five RBIs on the day after going 2 for 5 at the plate. Niemann went 4 for 5 with three runs scored and three RBIs. Even and McGinnis closed with two RBIs each.

Chase Stokes went 2 for 3 with two RBIs to lead UAM and Taylor Smith was 1 for 2 with a two-run home run.

Sunday's victory tied coach Mike Kinnison with legendary DSU skipper Dave “Boo” Ferriss for the career victories mark at 639. Kinnison is 639-191-1 in his 15 seasons as head coach at DSU.

The Statesmen will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday, March 23 to face the Crusaders of William Carey University. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Milton Wheeler Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3:45 p.m. with the “Shelter Insurance Statesmen Baseball Dugout Report.” Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call.