RICHMOND, VA -- The University of Richmond won both games of a non-conference doubleheader over the University of Delaware on Saturday afternoon at Pitt Field in Richmond.

Adam Tsakonas (right) registered four hits and two RBI on the day, while Alex Buchholz put up two hits, including the Hens first home run of the season.

In game one, Richmond used a five-run sixth to down the Hens, 7-5. Brandon Menchaca went 0-3 to end his hitting streak at 27 games, just one shy of the school record, but did score two runs and steal two bases. Ryan Jablonski had three hits, while Tsakonas drove in two runs.

Delaware took the lead in the second inning when Tsakonas ripped a single to leftfield with two on and one out to bring home Bill Merkler, who had led off the inning with a walk. The Spiders tied the score and took the lead in the bottom of the inning, scoring two unearned runs on only one hit when the Hens once again committed defensive miscues.

In the bottom of the third, Richmond loaded the bases with only one out, but Heppner was able to wiggle out of the jam by inducing a pop up in foul ground to Ryan Jablonski near first base and then Jablonski made an outstanding running catch behind first base to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth, the Blue Hen offense from a year ago made its first appearance of the 2007 season. With one out, Menchaca walked, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored ahead of Buchholz’ home run deep into the trees in leftfield. Buchholz, who was the CAA Rookie of the Year with 18 home runs in 2006, picked up right where he left off, hitting the Hens’ first home run of the season and giving the Hens a 3-2 lead. In the sixth, Tsakonas’ second RBI single of the day brought Bryan Hagerich to the plate to increase the Hens’ lead to 4-2.

Heppner started off the sixth inning by retiring the first two batters on two pitches before the wheels fell off. Cameron Brown singled to leftfield followed by a home run by Victor Croglio that tied the game at four. Austin Reilly singled off new pitcher Mitch Heckert to bring in Wotring and then Joe Mahoney’s home run gave the Spiders a 7-4 lead.

In the seventh Delaware cut into the Richmond lead, taking advantage of getting hit by three pitches, but left the bases loaded and the Hens would get no closer as Richmond reliever Josh Horn put down the Hens in the eighth and ninth.

In game two, the Spiders scored all the runs they would need in the third inning. Benji Marshall leaned into a pitch from Todd Ozog and was awarded first base. After Austin Reilly’s single put runners on the corners, Alex Wotring’s sacrifice fly brought in the first run of the game.

In the next inning the Spiders again employed the small ball tactic to perfection, turning a leadoff base hit into a run with a sacrifice bunt and a double from catcher Evan Stehle. Stehle was then thrown out at home after Danny Overcash turned a misplayed fly ball into the start of a relay from Overcash to Alex Buchholz to Ryan Engelhardt that nailed Stehle at the plate.

The Hens biggest threat came in the top of the seventh inning. Down 2-0, pinch hitter Scott Shockley worked a walk and Tsakonas single put the tying run on base. Pinch-hitters Ryan Cuneo and Ryan Reed were both called out on pitches on the outer third of the plate, and Mencchaca hit into a fielder’s choice to end the game.

Brent Gaphardt started the game for the Hens, making his first appearance since an elbow injury early last season, and did not allow a hit while striking out one and walking one in his only inning. Ian Marshall hurled the complete game shutout to earn the win for the Spiders (3-4), while Ozog took the loss for the Hens (0-3).

Delaware will return to action on Wednesday when it plays host to Saint Joseph’s at 2:30 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium in the home-opener for the Hens.

Game 1 Boxscore / Game 2 Boxscore