CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University baseball team fell in a tightly contested pitcher's duel to the University of Montevallo, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at Ferriss Field.

Despite the loss, Adrian Byrd delivered a dominant performance on the mound, matching a career high with 12 strikeouts over 7.1 innings. The left-hander allowed just one run on five hits and carried a no-hit bid into the fourth inning while keeping the Falcons off balance most of the day.

The game's lone run came in the fourth inning when Montevallo's Hollon Brock hit a solo home run to left field, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish.

Delta State had chances offensively but was unable to break through, stranding six runners. The Statesmen's best opportunity came in the seventh inning when Jacob Palazzo doubled and moved to third, but Montevallo starter Zach Wyatt worked out of the jam to preserve the shutout.

Austin Batts extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single, finishing 1-for-4 to lead Delta State at the plate.

Ryan Herbison added a strong relief effort, striking out two over 1.2 scoreless innings to keep the Statesmen within striking distance late.

Wyatt tossed a complete-game shutout for Montevallo, striking out seven to earn the win.

Delta State returns to action as the series against Montevallo concludes tomorrow with a double header at 1:00 p.m. (CT)