Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

Boxscore

NORRISTOWN, Pa. – The University of Delaware baseball team fell behind early and could never quite catch up to Saint Joseph’s as the Hawks handed the Blue Hens a 6-4 setback at Latshaw-McCarthy Field on Wednesday afternoon.

With the victory, Saint Joseph’s (11-16-1) avenged a 12-9 loss yesterday at the hands of Delaware (19-11) that sent the Blue Hens into the Liberty Bell Classic Finals.

Ryan Cuneo (at right) led Delaware with three hits, including a two-run home run. Bill Merkler also hit his 14th home run of the year, marking the fifth-highest total in the nation this season. His second-inning blast also improved his career total to 34, which moved him into a tie for eighth place on Delaware’s career list.

The Blue Hens dug an early hole for themselves after Saint Joseph’s plated six runs in the first three innings. Mike Blahusch and Ryan McDonald led the early surge as both men drove in a pair of runs during the first two frames.

After Merkler cut the deficit in half with his blast to right field in the top of the second, the Hawks responded with three in the bottom of the inning. The hosts looked ready for an even larger rally after loading the bases with one out, but reliever Will Blackman allowed just a sacrifice fly while working out of the jam.

Although Saint Joseph’s added a run in the third to pad its lead at 6-1, Blackman eventually retired the side in order during the fourth and fifth to keep Delaware within striking distance.

As the junior southpaw kept the Hawks off the scoreboard, the Blue Hens pulled closer with a three-spot in the top of the sixth. During the rally, Alonso beat out an infield single before Cuneo launched a two-run blast down the rightfield line. Later, Ryan Reed singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and came around to score on a base hit by Scott Shockley.

The Hawks threatened in the bottom of the inning after loading the bases with two outs, but Michael O’Keeffe was summoned from the bullpen and quickly induced an inning-ending ground out to keep Delaware’s deficit at two.

After skirting another Saint Joseph’s threat in the seventh, the Blue Hens were unable to capitalize on their own scare in the top of the eighth. Merkler and Reed both reached base to start the inning, but reliever Chris Hildreth retired the next three hitters in order.

Hildreth carried his success over into the ninth, putting Delaware down quickly to earn his fourth save of the season.

Adam Rivera (2-1) picked up the win for the Hawks after holding the Hens scoreless during his two innings out of the bullpen. Sam Cerbo (1-1) took the loss.

Despite the setback, the Delaware relief effort was a strong point as Blackman and O’Keeffe combined to allow just one run over 6.2 innings of work. The two Hens also struck out five during their time on the mound.

Along with Cuneo and Merkler, Pat Dameron and Scott Shockley also finished with a pair of hits for Delaware. Mike Blahusch and Drew Smith led the Saint Joseph’s attack, posting three hits apiece.

Delaware will return to action on Friday at 2 p.m. when the team travels to Hofstra for the beginning of a three-game series.