Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

Boxscore

DOVER, Del. - Despite a complete game effort by Brian Rorick, the University of Delaware baseball team was held in check by Delaware State as the Hornets pulled out a 3-1 victory over the Hens on Thursday afternoon at Soldier Field.

Jared Olson (at right) accounted for the lone Delaware run, launching a solo shot in the top of the seventh. Unfortunately, his long ball was one of just three hits for the Hens as the team could not back a strong effort by Rorick.

Delaware State (17-15-1) opened the scoring in the second when Justin Bittner led off with a solo home run. Later, following an Abe Eubank double, Wynton Weather spotted the hosts an early 2-0 lead with an RBI single through the middle of the infield.

The Hens pieced together their first rally in the fourth when the squad put its first two batters on base. Bill Merkler led off the inning with a pinch hit single before Ryan Reed worked a walk. Despite the threat, Jordan Elliott worked out of the jam for the Hornets, inducing three straight fly outs to end the inning.

Delaware (22-15) also had a threat going in the fifth after Olson earned a lead-off walk and Carlos Alonso ripped a one-out single to center. Unfortunately, the Hens’ hustling third baseman was cut down trying to stretch his hit into a double before Ryan Cuneo popped up to end the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Delaware State picked up its third and final run as Eubank poked a home run to left. Although Delaware answered with Olson’s shot in the top of the seventh, the Hens could never sustain a rally.

Brandon Penick eventually came in to slam the door shut as the Hornet closer picked up his third save of the season following a perfect ninth.

Elliott (1-1) earned the win after allowing just two hits while striking out five over six strong innings of work. Rorick (3-2) took the loss, despite tossing his first career complete game. The junior standout eventually scattered seven hits and finished the game with six strikeouts.

Carlos Alonso picked up a hit and walk during the contest, marking the 37th straight game during which he has reached base safely.

Delaware will have the weekend off before returning to action for a 3:30 showdown with Rutgers in Piscataway next Tuesday.