NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, highlighted by a two-run triple by Alex Buchholz, on its way to an 8-4 Colonial Athletic Association victory over Hofstra University on Friday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Buchholz had three hits and three RBI for the Blue Hens (4-10, 2-2 CAA), while Brandon Menchaca (right) scored three runs. The Hens received an outstanding performance on the mound from senior lefthander Billy Harris, who allowed one run, four hits and struck out eight in 6.2 innings of relief.

Hofstra (7-12, 2-5 CAA) threatened in the top of the first, getting their first two runners on base against Delaware starter Todd Ozog. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third with one out, Ozog struck out Patrick Rogers and got CAA hitting leader Matt Prokopowicz to lineout to Buchholz at shortstop to end the inning.

Delaware took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the first. Ryan Jablonski and Menchaca reached base and then Buchholz laced a double to left that scored Jablonski. Bryan Hagerich followed with a double to the gap in right center that brought in Menchaca and Buchholz.

The Pride got one back in the top of the second when they got runners on second and third with no outs. Tom Legregni’s RBI groundout brought home Tom Caltabiano to cut the Blue Hen lead to 3-1. The Pride tied the score in the third inning. After loading the bases with one out, Caltabiano’s fielder’s choice brought home the second run, and an errant throw by Buchholz brought home Rogers with the tying run.

The Hens regained the lead in the bottom of the third when Bill Merkler doubled down the rightfield line with two outs to bring home Menchaca. Hofstra tied the game again in the top of the fifth when Sarno led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, to third on a bunt and home on a groundout by Rogers.

Delaware exploded for four runs on only two hits in the bottom half of the eighth inning. Jablonski and Menchaca started off the inning with a single and walk, respectively. Hofstra then called upon submarine reliever Jeff Denlea to face Buchholz. Buchholz ripped a triple to deep right centerfield on Denlea’s first pitch bringing home Jablonski and Menchaca. After Hagerich was hit by a pitch, the Hens pulled off a double steal with Hagerich taking second and Buchholz taking home. An errant throw from the catcher advanced Hagerich to third and he later scored on a sacrifice fly by Shockley to give the Hens an 8-4 lead.

Harris earned the win for the Hens to move to 1-1, while Hofstra starter Rob Kumbatovic took the loss for the Pride.

The Hens and Pride will continue their series tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium.

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