Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

Boxscore

NEWARK, Del. - Behind an impressive power display by Chris Nehl, the University of Delaware baseball team inched closer to a berth in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament with a 9-4 victory over Virginia Commonwealth on Friday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Nehl (at right) launched a pair of home runs to lead a potent Blue Hen attack. Ryan Cuneo and Scott Shockley also homered for Delaware (26-18, 10-10 CAA), while Ryan Reed chipped in with three hits.

Delaware’s victory, coupled with James Madison’s 16-6 setback to George Mason, puts the Hens in the driver’s seat for a spot in the CAA Tournament. With a win on Saturday, the squad will make its first playoff appearance since finishing second during the 2007 tournament.

After VCU (20-25, 8-15) scratched together a run in the top of the first, the Hens took control of the game in the bottom half. Following a one-out walk to Cuneo, Nehl slammed an opposite-field home run to kick off the rally.

Reed continued the inning with a single before Shockley drove him in with a deep double to left. After walks to Pat Dameron and Josh Dean loaded the bases, Kyle Davis also drew a free pass and Carlos Alonso was hit by a pitch to bring in two more runs and give the team a 5-1 advantage.

One inning later, Nehl added to the lead with a monstrous solo shot to left.

With a five-run edge, Brad Miller settled in on the mound. He picked off a runner and posted a strikeout in the third before retiring the side in order in the fourth.

Cuneo added another insurance run for the Hens in the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run to right. Although VCU eventually chipped into its deficit with two runs in the sixth, Delaware quickly answered.

In the bottom of the seventh, Reed led-off with a single to left. Two batters later, Shockley crushed a two-run shot to right to give the squad a 9-3 lead. It marked the third straight game during which the senior co-captain has homered.

The Rams eventually plated one more run in the ninth, but it proved to be too little, too late. Corey Crispell quickly struck out the final batter of the game to earn his third save of the season.

Miller (4-5) earned the victory with a strong performance in his final regular season start. The junior right-hander tossed 6.1 innings of work, striking out seven while scattering eight hits.

Ryan Crosby (3-3) took the loss for VCU after allowing nine runs on nine hits during his seven innings on the mound. Justin Wright led the Ram offense, roping four hits in five at bats.

Along with Delaware's sluggers in the middle of the order, Alonso also had a good day. The team's lead-off hitter singled and was hit by a pitch, marking the 44th straight game during which he has reached base safely.

The two teams will return to action tomorrow to conclude the regular season at 1 p.m. Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the first pitch.