Box Score HATTIESBURG, Miss. - With the game on the line in the bottom of the eighth inning and the bases loaded, William Carey (15-10) made the most of the opportunity to score the game winning run on a slow roller to third by Michael Lindsey, allowing the Crusaders to defeat Delta State (15-10) 2-1 on Wednesday at Milton Wheeler Field.

After singling to right in the third, Michael Niemann tied Heath Bailey, who played for former DSU skipper Bill Marchant from 1994-1996, for the school's stolen base record. On a 3-1 fastball, the Yelm, Wash., native swiped second for his 71st stolen base of his career.

The Statesmen loaded up the bases in the top of the sixth off WCU starter Daniel Hall, who had scattered one hit in five innings of work. After a pitching change by the Crusaders, reliever Will Mann hit Michael Vinson with a fastball on the shoulder bringing Will McGinnis in from third.

Javier Ortiz's RBI single to left brought home Jarred Rogers, who doubled to leadoff the inning, from second to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth off DSU reliever Nathan Hardy.

With the bases loaded and one out, coach Mike Kinnison called on lefthander Tim Maloney, who quickly coaxed a groundball double play off the bat of Carey centerfielder to end the inning and keep the game tied at 1-1.

After the Statesmen went quietly in the top of the eighth, WCU's Quin Stokes worked a full count, one out walk off Maloney. Coach Kinnison wasted no time in bringing in right-hander Garrett Pickens out of the pen. After giving up an infield single to Ortiz and a groundball that DSU forced the runner at second, the junior got Lindsey to hit a chopper to third that DSU's Anthony Even couldn't handle. Stokes scored from third on the play to put the Crusaders up 2-1.

WCU brought in closer Cody James to nail down the win. After walking Vinson, the right-hander got three straight flyouts to end the game.

Will Mann (2-0) earned the win in relief, working 2.1 scoreless innings. DSU's Maloney (1-1) took the loss in relief.

Statesmen starter David Mooney worked 4.0 scoreless innings while allowing two hits and striking out four Crusaders. Carey starter Daniel Hall was also effective, tossing 5.1 innings while surrendering one run on just one hit.

Delta State will hit the road to Magnolia, Ark., this weekend, as the Statesmen face Southern Arkansas University in a three-game Gulf South Conference series. Saturday's doubleheader is set for a 3 p.m. first pitch while Sunday's start time is scheduled for 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch. Matt Jones and Jimmy Smith will have the call.