Delaware's Bats Stung by Delaware State Pitching in as Blue Hens Fall 4-1 in Route One Rivalry
March 20, 2012
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• Boxscore
File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware’s offense was stung by Delaware State’s pitching as the Hornets defeated the Blue Hens, 4-1, Tuesday afternoon in non-league baseball action at Soldier Field.
Delaware (8-12) was swept by Delaware State (12-8-1) in the Route One Rivalry for the first time in the rivalry’s history. The Hornets won by a 10-6 score back on March 7 in Newark.
The Hornets jumped to an early three-run lead over Delaware in the bottom of the third inning. Tony Gatto lined a leadoff single up the middle and advanced into scoring position behind Troy Drummond’s sacrifice bunt.
Scott Davis was hit by a pitch before Cameron Cecil smacked a RBI double to left-center field that plated Gatto and moved Davis to third base. A wild pitch uncorked by UD reliever Jeff Murray allowed Davis to score as Cecil dashed to third.
Cecil tallied the final run of the frame while he scored on a groundout as the Blue Hens trailed 3-0.
The Hornets added one run in the fourth frame when Frey coaxed a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a Drummond single to right field, and was knocked home on Davis’ RBI single to left field.
Delaware scratched a crooked number on the scoreboard in the eighth inning when Brock Niggebrugge reached on Josh Patman’s throwing error. Niggebrugge promptly stole second base and raced home on Ty Warrington’s RBI single to left field that brought the Blue Hens to within 4-1.
Zach Adkins (2-0) was in complete control for the Hornets as the southpaw tossed six scoreless innings with three hits, four walks and one strikeout. Closer Chad Sturgeon earned his fifth save of the season after he threw a hitless inning with one walk to finish the game. Relievers Josh Patman and Tommy Dill combined for two innings and were charged with one unearned run on one hit.
UD starter Matt Soren (0-4) took the loss for Blue Hens as the right-hander surrendered three earned runs on two hits, two walks and two strikeouts. The Blue Hens relievers kept UD in the game as Murray, Eric Buckland, Brandon Hinkle, and Stephen Richter combined for one earned run on three hits, two walks and three strikeouts over the final 5.2 innings pitched.
Delaware returns to action tomorrow, March 21, in non-conference action against the University of Maryland, with first pitch set for 3 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium. The Terrapins knocked off the Hens 2-0 back on March 6 in College Park.
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