Photo Courtesy of Chris Permar

Boxscore

NEWARK, Del. - Old Dominion scored eight runs over the last five innings of play to overcome an early deficit and hand the University of Delaware baseball team a 9-6 setback during a Colonial Athletic Association bout on Saturday afternoon at a rain-soaked Bob Hannah Stadium.

Bill Merkler (at right) led Delaware (14-8, 3-2 CAA) with two hits, including a home run. It marked the third straight game during which the senior slugger left the yard.

After the Hens were staked an early 3-1 advantage, Old Dominion (7-14, 2-3) emphatically answered in the fifth. Austin Wright led off the frame with a double to left that just squirted out of Jared Olson’s glove as the senior outfielder splashed down while attempting to make a tough, diving grab.

Following a sacrifice bunt, Max Most worked a walk and Gerard Hall beat out an infield single that brought in Wright. Later, Donnie Corsner lined a two-run double to right center before Brett Harris notched a sacrifice fly to give ODU its first lead at 5-3.

Delaware quickly responded by making the Monarchs pay for a miscue in the bottom of the inning. After Chris Nehl reached on an infield error, Merkler ripped a double to left that brought the Hens back within one.

Unfortunately, Old Dominion had an answer as RBI singles by Most and Jake McAloose gave the visitors a three-run edge in the sixth. Although Merkler cut the deficit back down to two with a line-drive, solo shot to left, Delaware could never get its early momentum back.

After Most ended the Blue Hens’ seventh with an incredible diving catch in centerfield, the senior standout came back to knock in one of the Monarch’s two runs in the top of the eighth to give the squad a late 9-5 advantage.

Delaware had a brief rally in the bottom of the inning after Olson legged out a single to shortstop before moving into scoring position with his fifth stolen base of the season. Two batters later, Kyle Davis ripped a single to third base that chased in Olson.

After that point, closer Robbie Watkins settled in and locked up the victory with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Brady Burchill (1-2) picked up the win with 7.1 solid innings. Brad Miller (3-2) took the loss after allowing five earned runs in 5.2 innings on the mound.

Along with Merkler, Ryan Reed also had two hits and a pair of RBI. The senior catcher helped Delaware get off on the right foot, drilling a two-run double down the right field line in the first. Three innings later, he scored the team’s third run of the game after notching his second double before coming around on a two-base hit by Olson.

Despite the early success, though, Delaware was simply undone by Old Dominion’s late-game heroics.

The two teams will return to action tomorrow to close out the three-game series with a 1 p.m. showdown.