TOWSON, MD -- The University of Delaware baseball team rallied to erase a 7-1 deficit and tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, but A.J Tinnerella’s two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh propelled Towson University past Delaware, 11-8, on Sunday afternoon at Schuerholz Park in the finale of a three-game Colonial Athletic Association set.

Delaware freshman second baseman Alex Buchholz (right) keyed the comeback effort with his 10th home run of the season. Ryan Jablonski added his second home run as a Blue Hen as part of a two RBI day.

Towson (10-19, 2-10 CAA) took broke out for its first lead of the series with a six-run third inning. The first seven Tiger batters reached base, with the first six coming home to knock Delaware starter Billy Harris from the game and put the Tigers in the lead, 7-1. Chad Kerfoot came in for Harris, and after an RBI double by Terry Gallo, was able to work his way out of a bases-loaded, one out jam without allowing the Tigers any more runs.

Delaware (13-11, 2-7 CAA) began its comeback in the top of the fourth. Todd Davison led off with a double, stole third and scored on a throwing error. Bill Merkler’s single with two on brought home the second Delaware run of the inning, and Jablonski reached on a bases loaded fielder’s choice that brought in Bryan Hagerich and cut the Towson lead to 7-4. Buchholz’s two run homer in the sixth cut the lead further, and the Hens tied the game in the seventh when Hagerich’s two-out double brought rightfielder Dan Richardson home from first.

After losing their lead the Tigers stormed back in their half of the seventh. After a leadoff single, Tinnerella homered down the leftfield line to put Towson up 9-7. The Tigers added two more runs before the inning was over to build what proved to be a lead the Blue Hens could not overcome.

Steve Johnson allowed one run in 2.1 innings of relief to pick up his third win of the season for Towson, while Chad Kerfoot took the loss for Delaware to fall to 1-3.

The Blue Hens return to action on Tuesday when they host La Salle in the second round of the Liberty Bell Classic at 3 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium.

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