NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware baseball team mounted a furious comeback from a 9-5 deficit that fell just short as Marist College took the rubber game of a three-game weekend set at Bob Hannah Stadium by a score of 9-8.

The Red Foxes (4-5) sprinted out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first and five over the first two innings off of Delaware starter Mike McGuire. Marist batted around in the first inning, with the red-hot Justin Lepore singling home two runs and first baseman Brian Gibbs driving in two more on a double over the head of Delaware rightfielder Dan Richardson.

Delaware (8-3) answered back with three in its half of the second. Brandon Menchaca continued his hot start with a leadoff double and then scored on a single by Richardson. Richardson (right) then scored on a sacrifice fly by Brent Rogers after advancing to third on a fielder’s choice. Freshman Alex Buchholz then doubled down the left field line, scoring Ryan Jablonski all the way from first and bringing the Hens to within two. The rally was halted when Marist centerfielder Max Most made a great running catch in deep centerfield on a drive by Todd Davison.

The Hens came all the way back with some good old-fashioned run production in the third. After the first two batters made outs, Menchaca singled, stole second and scored on another hit by Richardson. Richardson then proceeded to steal second base and scored on Bill Merkler’s hit to tie the game 5-5.

After Merkler’s hit, Marist summoned Erik Supplee from the bullpen. Supplee was able to get out of the inning and then dominated the Blue Hen batters, allowing only two hits over five innings of relief to earn his first win of the season.

After Marist took advantage of two Delaware errors to score three runs in the top half of the eighth to go up 9-5, the Hens finally started to get to Supplee in the bottom half. Merkler led off with a walk and Jablonski followed by reaching on an error. After two fielder’s choices brought Merkler home with the sixth Delaware run, Davison singled to centerfield with one on. After Davison, Marist brought in closer Robert Ryan, who immediately hit Adam Tsakonas to load the bases.
An infield single by Bryan Hagerich and a walk to Menchaca brought the Hens to within 9-8, but Ryan then got Richardson to ground into a fielder’s choice to end the inning and preserve Marist’s lead. Ryan worked a scoreless ninth to wrap up the win and his fourth save of the season.

The Blue Hens will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Philadelphia to take on Saint Joseph’s for the second time this season. Game time is set for 3 p.m.

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