NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware baseball team continued its hot start by downing the University of Vermont in both games of a non-league doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium. The Blue Hens rallied to win the first game, 8-7 in 10 innings on a hit by Alex Buchholz (right) before taking the seven-inning game two by a score of 6-2 behind dominant pitching that struck out 13 Vermont batters in the seven innings.

In game one, Delaware (5-1) rallied from a 7-2 deficit in the sixth inning to force the game into extra innings before winning in the bottom of the 10th. After a shaky top of the sixth, which saw the Catamounts (0-2) jump out to a 7-2 lead aided by three Delaware errors, the Hens comeback began on a solo home run by Todd Davison in the bottom half of the sixth inning to cut the lead to 7-3. The Catamounts threatened to increase their lead in the top of the seventh, but after loading the bases with only one out, were unable to push a run across against Blue Hen pitcher Chad Kerfoot.

Down 7-3 in the bottom of the inning, Delaware worked three straight one-out walks to load the bases for Adam Tsakonas who atoned for his two errors in the big Vermont sixth by lining a single to left field to score two runs. Within two in the ninth inning, Ryan Jablonski and Scott Shockley led off with walks. Freshman infielder Alex Buchholz was sent in to run for Shockley, and after a strikeout by Bill Merkler, Buchholz scored the game-tying run on a double to deep center field by fellow freshman infielder Kyle Davis. Buchholz actually stumbled and fell rounding third base, but was able to regain his footing and his dive into home plate beat the relay throw. The Hens had a chance to win the game in the ninth, but Vermont pitcher Jeremiah Bayer was able to navigate out of a bases loaded, one out jam.

After setting down the Catamounts in the top of the tenth, Delaware centerfielder Brandon Menchaca led off the 10th with a walk. He appeared to be picked off by Bayer, but was able to beat the throw into second base for a steal that put him scoring position. After Jablonski’s ground out to second advanced Menchaca to third, Buchholz stepped to the plate for the first time and drilled a line drive into the right centerfield gap to give the Blue Hens the win.

Billy Harris struck out the only batter he faced to earn the win for the Blue Hens. Starter Mike McGuire allowed two runs and struck out six in three innings of work.

In game two, the Blue Hens jumped out to an early lead. Davison, who has hit safely in all six games so far this season, singled with one out, moved to second on a passed ball, and scored on Tsakonas’ single to put the Hens in front.

The Catamounts mounted a comeback in the top of the third. Delaware starter Brent Gaphardt was forced to leave with an injury in the third after dominating Vermont with seven strikeouts over the first 2.2 innings. Thrust into an emergency relief role, Matt Heppner allowed a walk to Vermont centerfielder Will Huntington, who he inherited from Gaphardt and then threw a wild pitch and surrendered two hits that allowed Vermont to tie the score. After the third inning, he settled in nicely, striking out four while not allowing a baserunner over the next three innings to earn the win.

Delaware reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning, when Menchaca methodically worked his way around the bases on an infield hit, balk, and steal of third base and scored on Brent Rogers two-out single. Buchholz then followed Rogers with a triple and Davison followed with a single to put the Hens up 5-2. Buchholz’ home run down the right field line in the sixth provided the final margin in the seven-inning contest.

For the day, Menchaca posted four hits and stole three bases, while Buchholz delivered the deciding blow in each contest. Menchaca, Buchholz and Davison each scored three runs between the two contests.

The Blue Hens will return to action on Sunday for the final game of the three-game set with Vermont. First pitch at Bob Hannah Stadium is set for 12 noon.

Game 1 Box / Game 2 Box