Dover, Del. (Apr. 24, 2018) --- Delaware State scored the game's first run in the third inning, but that was all it would get in a 3-1, 13-inning loss to Delaware at Soldier Field Tuesday afternoon.
The Hens broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the top of the 13th inning to improve to 21-17 this season. UD also completed a sweep of four games against the Hornets this season. This was the first extra inning contest between the state's two Division I baseball programs since a 9-8, 13-inning Delaware victory on its home field in 2014.
The loss also overshadowed a solid performance by DSU starter Hunter McVey, who allowed seven hits and one run, while striking out six and walking two in eight innings of work.
Delaware's 13th inning rally started with a one-out infield single Erik Bowren off Hornet reliever Travis Dill. The next batter, Kyle Baker, tripled to score Bowren and give the Hens a 2-1 lead. Two batters later, Diaz Nardo singled home Baker to put UD up by two.
Hornet designated hitter Cole Garey had a one-out single and later moved to second with two down in the bottom of the 13th, sending the potential tying run to the plate, but
Delaware reliever Colman Vila retired Henry on strikes to end the game.
Delaware State scored the first run of the game in the third inning. John Weglarz drew a walk off Delaware starter Nick Spadafino to lead off the inning. Todd Henry followed with a double to right, with Weglarz advancing to third and then home on a Delaware error on the play.
The Hens were scoreless until tying the game with a run off McVey in the sixth.
Clay Conaway and Vila combined to pitch six scoreless innings out of the bullpen for Delaware, allowing five hits and striking out five. Vila (4-2) pitched 3.1 innings in relief to earn the win.
Garey had three of Delaware State's 10 hits, while Henry and Josh Jackson collected two hits each.
Despite suffering the loss, Dill (1-4) threw a solid five innings in relief, striking out six batters without allowing a walk.
The Hornet defense turned three double plays in the game.
Delaware State (8-30) is back in action on Wednesday at home against George Washington. Game time is 3:00 pm at Soldier Field.
