JACKSON, Tenn. — The Delta State University baseball team erupted for seven runs in the third inning and rode a dominant start from Adrian Byrd to a 9-2 victory over Union (Tenn.) on Thursday afternoon at Fesmire Field.

The Statesmen improved to 7-2 and 4-0 in GSC play on the season, while the Bulldogs fell to 7-5 and are 2-2 in the GSC.

After two scoreless innings to open the contest, Delta State broke the game open in the top of the third. Taking advantage from a Catcher's interference call with two outs followed by a wild pitch, the Statesmen sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs on four hits.

Cade Greer ignited the rally with a bunt single before Levi Lang drew a walk to load the bases. Bo Rock delivered the big blow, lacing a double to left-center that drove in three runs. A hit-by-pitch and a two-run single from Austin Estes later in the inning extended the lead to 7-0.

The offensive cushion was more than enough for Byrd (1-0), who turned in one of the most efficient outings of the season. The left-hander tossed eight shutout innings holding a perfect game into the sixth and a no-hit bit into the seventh, allowing just one hit while striking out seven and walking none. Byrd faced just two batters over the minimum and needed only 91 pitches to silence the Union lineup.

Delta State added two more runs in the seventh inning. Greer led off with a single and later scored on Lang's RBI double to right-center. Austin Batts followed with a sacrifice fly to push the advantage to 9-0.

Union scored twice in the bottom of the ninth against the bullpen, capitalizing on two hits and a pair of walks, but Corbin Gillentine closed the door to secure the win.

The Statesmen finished with eight hits on the afternoon. Greer led the way with two hits and two runs scored, while Rock drove in three runs. Estes added two RBIs, and Lang scored twice and doubled.

Delta State returns to action tomorrow, finishing the three-game series against the Bulldogs with a doubleheader starting at noon.