Photo by Chris Permar

Boxscore

NEWARK, Del. – Ryan Reed hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run eighth inning that helped propel the University of Delaware baseball team to a 16-4 victory over Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Reed (at right) finished the game with two hits and five RBI to pace the Blue Hen attack. Bill Merkler also went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, while Ryan Cuneo and Scott Shockley also went deep for Delaware (13-7).

After Saint Joseph’s (8-11-1) opened the scoring with a run in the top of the second, the Blue Hens quickly responded. Jared Olson started the rally with a walk before coming around to score on back-to-back singles by Merkler and Reed. Later, Pat Dameron worked a walk to load the bases before Carlos Alonso also drew a free pass with two outs to put Delaware up, 2-1.

Following a scoreless frame by the Hawks in the third, the Hens came back with another quick two-spot. Chris Nehl started the inning with a walk before Merkler slammed a two-run shot to left.

In the fourth, after Saint Joseph’s went to its bullpen, Cuneo greeted the squad’s new pitcher by quickly depositing the first pitch he saw over the left centerfield fence. Two innings later, Delaware chased home three more runs as a double by Olson and a single by Merkler helped cap the rally and give the Hens an 8-1 advantage.

Leading by seven, Delaware saw the Hawks briefly cut into their deficit as David Valesente went deep with a two-run shot to left.

Scott Shockley answered in the bottom of the frame with a solo home run before Reed came through with the biggest blow in the eighth. After the Blue Hens loaded the bases with one out, Delaware’s senior catcher launched the team’s sixth grand slam of the season well over the leftfield fence.

Alonso, Cuneo, and Todd Menchaca all knocked in runs to close out the seven-run eighth and give the hosts a commanding 16-3 lead. Although Saint Joseph’s tacked one more run on the board in the ninth following a solo home run by Dewey Oriente, Delaware rolled to the 12-run victory.

Michael O’Keeffe (2-0) picked up the win for the Hens after working a scoreless fourth inning. He was one of seven Delaware pitchers used in the game, including one of four to post a scoreless outing. Will Blackman, Sam Cerbo, and Michael Londino also twirled spotless frames.

Quentin Farr (0-1) took the loss for Saint Joseph’s after allowing four runs on three hits in three innings of work. The Hawk pitching staff was undone by walks throughout the game, as six SJU hurlers combined to allow 12 free passes.

Valesente led the Hawk offense, posting three hits in four at bats while also scoring twice. Oriente chipped in with two hits as well.

Delaware will return to action on Friday at 3 p.m. for the first game of a weekend series against CAA rival Old Dominion.