CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University baseball team was unable to overcome a big early surge from Christian Brothers on Sunday afternoon, dropping an 8–3 decision at Ferriss Field. The loss moves the Statesmen to 13–6 and 9-3 in GSC play on the year.

Christian Brothers struck first and never trailed, opening the game with a run in the first before breaking it open with a four-run third inning. The Buccaneers added single runs in the fourth, fifth, and seventh to build an 8–0 advantage by the middle of the seventh.

Delta State's offense found life in the fifth, pushing across three runs. After Stone Collier reached on a walk and Cooper Walls doubled, Austin Estes delivered a two-RBI single to center to put the Statesmen on the board. Moments later, Estes stole home as part of a double-steal sequence to cut the deficit to 7–3.

Estes finished with two hits, two RBI, and two stolen bases. Tucker Jones added two hits, including a double, and Walls recorded a double and a run scored.

On the mound, Aidan McCrady (0–2) took the loss after allowing four runs in 2.1 innings. The DSU bullpen combined for 6.2 innings of work, with Ryan Herbison tossing three scoreless frames to close the game.

Christian Brothers was led by Will Gossett, who went 3-for-5 with two RBI, and Zowen Collins, who homered in the fifth. The Buccaneers totaled 11 hits and drew nine walks.

Delta State threatened in the later innings but stranded runners in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth. The Statesmen were held scoreless over the final four frames by CBU reliever Thomas Leiden, who worked four shutout innings.

Delta State returns to action next week as they hit the road to face the Boll Weevils from the University of Arkansas at Monticello Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m.(CT).