May 7, 2008

STATESMEN TAKE 11 th GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TITLE WITH 7-5 WIN OVER FALCONS

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - For the eleventh time school history, the Delta State University Statesmen Baseball team added another Gulf South Conference trophy to the mantle piece with a 7-5 victory over the Falcons of the University of Montevallo Wednesday night at USA Stadium. It came down to the final out, Devin Goodwin making the throw to first to seal the win. The Statesmen improved to 45-9 on the year, while the Falcons fall to 36-25.

The GSC title is first for the Statesmen since Delta State’s 2004 NCAA National Championship season and fourth under head coach Mike Kinnison.

Montevallo wasted no time putting runners in scoring position to start the game with a lead off double by Eric Moore. Moore would later score on an RBI groundout for a 1-0 lead.

The Statesmen quickly rebounded in the bottom of the second inning with a two run effort. With the bases loaded, Steven Oswald reached on a fielder’s choice to second, allowing Chris Clark to score. Hunter Jobes reached on an error by the shortstop a batter later, scoring Anthony Palasini from third.

The Falcons made it a tie ball game in the third as Ryan Norman scored on a fielder’s choice.

Delta State started the bottom of the inning with a single and a double, and quickly scored two runs on back-to-back singles by Clark and Palasini. J.T. Taylor added a third with an RBI single to left field for a 5-2 lead.

The Falcons threatened in the fifth inning with two runners on and the potential tying run at the plate, however Moore grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the inning.

Montevallo did score in sixth inning, cutting the lead to two with an RBI single by Chris Cooper.

The Statesmen responded in the bottom half with an RBI single to right center by Palasini for a 6-3 Statesmen lead.

Montevallo again had a runner in scoring position in the seventh, and with one out, the Statesmen turned to the bullpen and reliever Korey Cunningham. The junior forced a pop up and ground out to end the inning.

The Statesmen were determined to keep the Falcons tied down, adding another insurance run in the seventh as Jobes singled up the middle scoring Taylor from second for a 7-3 advantage.

Montevallo, who plated 11 runs on the Statesmen Monday night to give them their only loss this tournament, were determined to make it a fight to the finish in the eighth. Moore reached on base after a hit by pitch and then was able to steal second and third base to get in scoring position. Cooper singled up the middle to make it 7-4.

The Falcons would score again in the ninth with their backs against the wall to keep the game alive. With runners on first and second, Moore made his presence felt again with an RBI single to center. On the next at bat, Jeremy Jones had a chance to give the Falcons the lead. Instead he grounded to the shortstop Goodwin, who threw him out in a very close play at the bag.

Joey Haston (8-0) worked 6.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits with two strikeouts. Levi Bishop (7) earned the save pitching 1.2 innings allowing three hits and one run with two strikeouts.

Zac Blakney (8-3) gets the loss for the Falcons lasting 3.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits.

Clark led all Statesmen going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Taylor Palasini and Rickey Noland all had two hits a piece.

Four Statesmen were named to the Gulf South Conference All-Tournament Team led by Most Outstanding Player Kenney Smalley, who pitched for the Statesmen in their 11-2 win over Southern Arkansas to reach the championship game. Devin Goodwin was voted at shortstop, Michael Niemann in right field and Hunter Jobes in center field.

The Statesmen earned their way into the championship game with an 11-2 thrashing of Southern Arkansas to open the day. Kenny Smalley (9-2) earned the win, while Marcus Wilson (1) picked up the save.

The Statesmen will await word from the NCAA on whether Delta State will host the 2008 NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field, May 15-18, in Cleveland. The announcement will be made on Sunday.

May 6, 2008

STATESMEN DISPATCH BLAZERS 11-5 TO ADVANCE TO FINAL ROUND OF GSC TOURNAMENT; DSU TO FACE SAU/UM WINNER WEDNESDAY

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - The Delta State University baseball team had their backs against the wall Tuesday afternoon as they squared off with Valdosta State in an elimination game. The Statesmen prevailed 11-5 in a crucial in-region game in the Gulf South Conference Tournament at USA Stadium.

Delta State will face the winner of Montevallo/Southern Arkansas for a chance to play in the championship game Wednesday. If SAU wins the Statesmen will play the Muleriders at 1 p.m. Should UM win, DSU would face the Falcons twice on Wednesday starting at 1 p.m.

With the win, the Statesmen improve to 43-9, while the Blazers burn out their season at 36-18-1.

The Statesmen wasted no time in scoring runs quickly and early. With the bases loaded, Valdosta pitcher Jeremy Forbus would hit Anthony Palasini to walk in the games’ first run. Delta State would add two with an RBI single by Michael Niemann down the left field line for a 3-0 lead after half an inning.

Delta State looked to threaten again in the second, however the Statesmen could not capitalize with runners on first and second.

The Blazers were determined to cut the deficit with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the second. Sidney Spell grounded into a double play and the Statesmen were out of a jam.

Niemann added his second RBI on the day with a solo-shot over the right field wall in the third inning, for a 4-0 DSU lead. It was Niemann’s second home run of the year.

The runs continued to be plentiful for the Statesmen in the fourth, giving pitcher Cody Kelly some insurance. J.T. Taylor started the inning with a lead-off double and would later score on an RBI single by Devin Goodwin. Ricky Noland doubled in the next at bat plating Goodwin and extending the lead to 6-0.

With two outs in the seventh, Delta State would plate two more runs off two costly errors by the Blazer defense. With a runner on first, Blaine Wilson miscued Niemann’s single to right field allowing Chris Clark to score. One batter later, catcher Chase Blackwood’s throw to second was wide on a stolen base attempt by Steven Oswald, allowing Niemann to score easily from third base.

Kelly looked nearly perfect through six innings before his pickoff attempt at third went wide allowing Wes Hyman to score for the Blazers and cut the lead to 8-1.

Once again, with two outs in the inning, the Statesmen rallied for a third time in the eighth. Clark had runners on second and third base before he singled to centerfield clearing the bases and giving the Statesmen a 10-1 advantage.

Hunter Jobes singled to right field in the ninth scoring Niemann, as the Statesmen looked to put the final flame out on the Blazers 11-1.

Valdosta looked for a late spark in the ninth, scoring four runs. The Blazers got things started with a solo homerun by Drew Camp, followed by a two-run triple by Jessie Barfield and an RBI double by Cutis Keegan. The comeback attempt would stall, as Clint Marcott nailed the door shut on the Blazers 11-5.

Cody Kelly, (4-0) pitched lights out for the Statesmen and claimed his third-straight win. The Louisville native pitched 7.0 near-flawless innings allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts.

Niemann carried the Statesmen at the plate with his 3-for-4 effort with three RBIs including a solo homerun. Four Statesmen finished with the day with multiple hits as they tallied a 13-10 advantage in the hit column.

Jeremy Fourbus (5-2) took the loss, going 7.0 innings allowing eight runs on nine hits.

Nathan Hardy and Clint Marcott pitched one inning of relief each.

The Statesmen will await their opponent Wednesday at 1 p.m. at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn.

May 6, 2008

FALCONS SNAP STATESMEN WIN STREAK 11-2; DSU TO FACE VSU TUESDAY IN ELIMINATION GAME

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN.- The Delta State University baseball team struggled in the early going, as the last two undefeated teams in the Gulf South Conference Tournament met Monday night at USA Stadium and it was Montevallo who earned the win, 11-2 and a guaranteed spot in the championship game Wednesday night.

The loss drops the Statesmen to 42-9 on the year, while the Falcons improve to 36-23. The win for the Falcons also snaps a record 24-game winning streak for Delta State.

The Statesmen looked to continue their hot streak as of late, winning the last two games by a combined score of 13-3. However, the Falcons got on the board early in the top of the first inning. With a runner on third and one out, Chris Cooper grounded out to second allowing Eric Moore to cross the plate.

Devin Goodwin looked to lead the charge in the bottom of the inning for the green and white with a rocket to right field that managed to stay in the park for a triple, his second on the season.

The Statesmen, who trailed for the first time in this tournament, tied it up in the third as Goodwin scored J.T. Taylor with an RBI groundout to second base. After Clay Sartain reached on a walk, Rickey Noland singled to left field to score Hunter Jobes from third, 2-1 Statesmen.

Montevallo would not trail for long, as they would retake the lead with a four-run effort in the fourth inning. Daniel Furuto tied the game at 2-2, scoring on an RBI single by Brantley Clay. The Falcons would score again on the next at bat off an error by the Statesmen infield. With two outs in the inning, Montevallo would score twice on back-to-back singles to extend their lead, 5-2.

The Falcons continued to swing the bats well in the fifth, making the most of the opportunities scoring four runs on four hits. Jeremy Jones scored on an RBI single by Aaron Faust. Montevallo would score three runs on two hits after Marcus Wilson came into relieve DSU starter Justin Smith with one out in the inning.

The hole continued to become deeper for the Statesmen to climb out of as the Falcons extended their lead in the seventh with an RBI single by Jones, 10-2.

Montevallo plated one more run in the ninth, putting the game out of reach for Delta State and making the final margin 11-2.

Justin Smith (6-4) gets the loss lasting 4.1 innings allowing eight runs on eight hits with just one strikeout.

Nate Russ (4-4) earned the victory for the Falcons in relief. Russ pitched 5.2 innings allowing just four hits.

Noland did his best on the night for DSU with a 3-for-4 effort and an RBI. Five Statesmen finished with a hit respectively.

Four Falcons had multiple hits on the night, led by Jones who finished 5-for-5 with an RBI.

The Statesmen will look to rebound Tuesday as they take on the Valdosta State Blazers, 2-1 in the GSC tournament, at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn . First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

May 5, 2008  

KOREY CUNNINGHAM PITCHES STATESMEN PAST TIGERS 7-1; DSU TO FACE MONTEVALLO MONDAY AT 7:30 P.M.

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - The Delta State University baseball team plated four runs in the fourth inning and held on for a 7-1 victory in the early hours of Monday morning over Ouachita Baptist University at USA Stadium in the second round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament. With the win, the Statesmen advance to the third round and take on the University of Montevallo Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The No. 2 ranked Statesmen improves to 42-8 on the year, while the Tigers drop to 43-13. The win extends their winning streak as well to 24 games.

Despite the long delay that lasted nearly two and a half hours, Delta State would tack on the first run of the game in the second inning as Tigers starter Chase Baran walked two Statesmen to load the bases with one out. Delta State would capitalize, as Chris Clark jogged in on a fielder’s choice from Michael Niemann.

The Statesmen fans cheered again in the third, as Devin Goodwin (13) smoked a solo-shot over the left field fence giving the Statesmen a 2-0 lead.

Things got worse for the Baran and the Tigers in the fourth inning, as Delta State would plate four runs. With the bases loaded once again, Baran walked in a run for a 3-0 Statesmen lead. With runners on the corners, Hunter Jobes would single up the middle scoring Anthony Palasini. In the next at bat, Goodwin singled to left field, as two runners would score on an error by Chad Taylor extending the lead to 6-0.

Korey Cunningham looked solid through the first 4.2 innings for Delta State before Ouachita Baptist would scratch the scoreboard with an RBI sac fly by Blake Lockwood to cut the lead 6-1.

The Tigers would plate another run for the Statesmen in the seventh, as Rickey Noland would score on a throwing error by the shortstop Drew Maus trying to get Clark scrambling back to first.

The Statesmen would get 11 hits on the night while holding the Tigers to just six. However, OBU did have four costly errors, including two in the fourth.

Cunningham (9-1) gets the victory working 8.0 innings allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts. The Clinton native leads the team with nine wins on the season while picking up his first post-season win with the Statesmen. Cody Kelly closed the game striking out three of four batters faced.

Baran (9-3) takes the loss for the Tigers going 3.2 innings allowing six runs on five hits and walking four batters.

Jobes led the Statesmen on the night going 3-of-5 with a double and an RBI while Goodwin finished 2-of-4 with a HR.

The Statesmen will continue their quest for an 11 th GSC title, as they take on the University of Montevallo in the third round of the GSC Tournament at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

May 3, 2008

DSU CAPTURES FIRST WIN AT GSC TOURNAMENT ON SMALLEY’S NINE STRIKEOUTS; UWA/OBU WINNER UP NEXT

• Box Score

MILLINGTON, TENN. – Kenny Smalley struck out nine Saturday en route to Delta State’s 6-2 victory over North Alabama in the opening game for the Statesmen at the Gulf South Conference Tournament at USA Stadium. The No. 2-ranked Statesmen improved to 41-8 on the season, while the Lions slid to 29-20.

Smalley, a junior right-hander from St. Charles, Ill., set the tone early for the Statesmen by setting down the first 10 Lion batters he faced over 3.1 innings.

The Statesmen would take advantage of Smalley’s pitching with an early 2-0 lead on RBI-singles by Devin Goodwin and Anthony Palasini in the first and second innings respectively.

Delta made it 3-0 in the fifth inning, as J.T. Taylor scored on Hunter Jobes’ RBI-single. Taylor led off the inning with a triple down the right field line.

Rickey Noland’s first career triple in the seventh made it 4-0 DSU, as the senior blasted a UNA offering 410’ to straight away center. Steven Oswald’s RBI-single to right plated Noland to make it 5-0 DSU after seven.

In the eighth, Delta State added another run. J.T. Taylor slapped a single between second and first to score Michael Niemann.

In the ninth, UNA would take advantage of a tired Smalley. The John A. Logan CC transfer walked the first two batters of the inning before giving way to Levi Bishop. Bishop allowed a sac-fly RBI to Josh Graham to score the Lions’ first run. Jarrett Sheppard followed with an RBI infield single to make it 6-2. Bishop would strikeout Matt Horton to end the game.

Smalley (8-2) worked 8.0 innings allowing two runs on four hits with a walk and nine strikeouts. Bishop worked 1.0 inning with one strikeout.

Anthony Palasini went 3-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Statesmen. Six Statesmen tallied multiple hit performances.

Horton went 2-for-4 to pace the Lions.

Branden Tepe (4-6) took the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits. Matt Vandenheuvel and Trey Mitchell worked in relief.

Delta State will face the winner of the West Alabama/Ouachita Baptist game Sunday at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

April 2, 2008

SMALLEY EARNS GSC WEST PITCHER OF THE WEEK

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. - Delta State starting pitcher Kenny Smalley, a junior from Chicago, Ill. got his first career nod as GSC West Pitcher of the Week after tossing his third consecutive complete game.

The junior allowed just one earned run and three walks while scattering four hits and striking out 12 batters in nine innings at Harding Saturday, giving Delta State an important win, 6-1. Bad weather canceled Sunday's rescheduled doubleheader between the two clubs, making the lone start that much more important.

Smalley is 5-2 in seven starts on the season with a 3.61 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. The first-year Statesman is holding opponents to a .241 batting average and has allowed just 16 walks.

April 1, 2008

DELTA STATE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL POSTPONED DUE TO TUESDAY RAINS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University baseball and softball have been postponed due to Tuesday’s rain. The Statesmen were scheduled to play Belhaven in Jackson, while the Lady Statesmen were set to travel to Magnolia, Ark., for a doubleheader with Southern Arkansas University. The Lady Statesmen will face the Lady Muleriders Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Belhaven game at Smith-Wills Stadium has been rescheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m.

March 30, 2008

SUNDAY'S DOUBLEHEADER AT HARDING CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN; DSU AT BELHAVEN TUESDAY

SEARCY, ARK. - Sunday's doubleheader at Harding was cancelled due to rain. No make up dates have been set at this time. DSU returns to action on Tuesday, April 1 at Belhaven. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium. The DSU Alumni Association is planning an event for all Jackson area Alumni. Come out and support the Statesmen on Tuesday.

March 29, 2008

DELTA STATE’S SMALLEY FANS 12 EN ROUTE TO 6-1 WIN OVER BISON
By Daniel Hawthorne, Media Relations

• Box Score

SEARCY, Ark-The Delta State University baseball team picked up its sixth straight victory behind Kenny Smalley’s 12 strikeout, complete game, performance in a 6-1 victory over Harding University Saturday. The game was delayed three hours due to over night rains. With the win the Statesmen climb to 24-8 overall and 6-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Bison fall to 17-15, 2-5 in conference action.

Kenny Smalley (5-2) turned in one of the top performances of the year for the Statesmen pitching staff. The John A. Logan Community College transfer allowed one run on four hits in the win, while recording a career-high 12 strikeouts for his third-straight complete game.

Delta State got the ball rolling in the third, as J.T. Taylor knocked a triple to score Derrick Norris from first to make it 1-0. On the next at-bat, Hunter Jobes’ infield single allowed Taylor to make it 2-0 Delta State.

The Statesmen doubled their lead in the sixth as Chris Clark doubled home Rickey Noland and Steven Oswald’s single scored Clark to make it 4-0.

The Bison struggled early against Smalley, recording their first hit in the fifth, before finally scoring in the eighth on a solo home run by Arron Roberts (8).

Leading 4-1, Delta State put the game out of reach in the ninth with runs by Jobes and Goodwin to make the final margin 6-1.

Norris went 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Statesmen, while Goodwin went 1-for-4 with an RBI as well.

The Statesmen conclude the series Sunday with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Jerry Moore Field. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m. Keith Latham and Daniel Hawthorne will have the call.

March 26, 2008

STATESMEN EXTINGUISH BLAZERS 7-1
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

CLEVELAND - The 11 th ranked Delta State baseball team cruised to a 7-1 victory over Belhaven College Wednesday night at Ferriss Field.  With the win the Statesmen improve to 23-8 on the season while the Blazers fall to 25-11. 

The Statesmen got things going in the second when catcher Rickey Noland led off with solo home run over the leftfield lounge to put DSU up 1-0.  Not to be outdone, third baseman Chris Clark exploded on a Riley Galloway fastball bouncing it off the 2004 National Championship sign in left centerfield giving the “Men in Green” a quick 2-0 advantage they would never relinquish. 

In the third, second baseman Clay Sartain drove a waist high pitch deep over the leftfield fence pushing the DSU lead to 3-0. 

Centerfielder Hunter Jobes led off the fifth with a double up the middle setting up yet another scoring opportunity.  Devin Goodwin would quickly trade places with him as his double to right center would send Jobes home giving the Statesmen more insurance with no outs.  After a wild pitch by Galloway that advanced Goodwin to second, Clark would single to center giving DSU a 5-0 lead heading into the sixth. 

The Statesmen would wrap up the scoring in the seventh when first baseman Steven Oswald’s two-run blast to left would bring home Sartain who had reached on a single. 

Belhaven’s lone run came in the seventh when Cleveland native Blaise King would score from third on a single by first baseman Bryan Bennett.

DSU starter Joey Haston (5-0) picked up the win after throwing 6.0 innings allowing no runs on one hit and one strikeout.  Marcus Wilson and Levi Bishop split the last three innings surrendering one run on a mere four hits.

Chris Clark led the Statesmen at the plate going 3-for-4 with a homerun and three RBI.  Steven Oswald finished in fine fashion as well going 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI. 

The Statesmen return to action this Saturday at Harding University.  The first pitch of the Gulf South Conference doubleheader is scheduled for 12 p.m. 

March 26, 2008

Statesmen burn Devils at Ferriss Field
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The 11 th ranked Delta State baseball team pounded out 13 runs on 14 hits versus Mississippi Valley State en route to a run-ruled 13-2 victory at Ferriss Field on Tuesday. With the win, the Statesmen move to 22-8 on the season while the Delta Devils fall to 9-10.

Delta State got things going in the bottom of the first collecting nine runs on nine hits led by junior second baseman Clay Sartain’s two doubles and three RBI. Leftfielder J.T. Taylor doubled off the leftfield wall pushing two runners across while centerfielder Hunter Jobes knocked in two base runners of his own on a line drive down the leftfield line. All in all, the Statesmen would hit four doubles and one triple in the bottom of the frame, guaranteeing starter Clint Marcott all the run support he would need.

After the Statesmen picked up one run in the fourth and fifth innings, second baseman John Landon Ruscoe would hit his first career homerun deep over the leftfield wall in the bottom of sixth. The Clarksdale native’s two-run shot pushed the DSU lead to 13-2 setting up the opportunity for the run-ruled shortened game.

Statesmen starter Clint Marcott (4-0) pitched 6.0 strong innings allowing only one earned run on seven hits with three strikeouts. Nathan Hardy threw the scoreless seventh ending the game early for DSU.

Leading the way at the plate was designated hitter Clay Sartain. The senior from Horn Lake finished the day 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI. Ruscoe, in his first start, as a Statesman, went 2-for-3 with a homerun and two RBI while catcher Rickey Noland was perfect going 3-for-3 with and RBI.

MVSU was led at the plate by shortstop Jeff Squiers. The Sterling, CO native finished 2-for-4 with a homerun and an RBI.

The Statesmen return to action Wednesday for a single game against the Blazers of Belhaven College. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 22, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN COMPLETE SWEEP OF BUCS WITH 9-4 WIN

• Box Score  

MEMPHIS, TENN. – The tenth-ranked Statesmen (21-8, 5-1 GSC) used six home runs and 14 hits to complete the three-game sweep of the Bucs (11-15, 3-3 GSC) of Christian Brothers University, 9-4, Saturday at Buc Field.

The Statesmen scored four runs in the second inning on three home runs to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Anthony Palasini smashed a two-run home run (2), while Hunter Jobes (5) and Devin Goodwin (5) went back-to-back over the center field fence.

Delta State made it 5-0 in the fourth on the first career home run for freshman Michael Niemann.

The Statesmen made it an 8-0 lead after a two-run home run by Chris Clark (2) and an RBI single by Niemann in the fifth.

DSU scored its last run in the sixth, as Rickey Noland connected on his seventh home run of the year to left for a 9-0 DSU lead.

CBU would not go away quietly, as the Bucs added three runs in the bottom of the seventh and one in the eighth to make it a 9-4 final.

Justin Smith (4-3) earned the win after pitching six scoreless innings. The Ridgeland native surrendered three walks with four strikeouts. Nathan Hardy allowed three earned runs in one inning of relief. Grant Campbell and Cody Kelley also pitched out of the pen.

Ryan McCabe (2-3) took the loss for CBU after pitching six innings, while allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field on Tuesday versus Mississippi Valley State. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

March 21, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN POUND BUCCANEERS 10-3 AND 9-2; GAME THREE SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.

• Game One Box Score
• Game Two Box Score

MEMPHIS, TENN. – The tenth-ranked Delta State University Statesmen (20-8, 4-1 Gulf South Conference) completed a Friday sweep of Christian Brothers University (11-14, 3-2 GSC) 10-3 and 9-2 at Buc Field. The sweep extended Delta State’s win streak over Christian Brothers to 19 games.

Kenny Smalley worked his second-straight complete game to pitch the Statesmen a 10-3 win in game one. The time the Statesmen offense did not disappoint with 10 runs on 15 hits.

DSU got the offense rolling in the first inning on an RBI-double by Rickey Noland followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Chris Clark (1) to take a 3-0 lead.

Smalley would keep the Bucs at bay until the fourth, when CBU scratched the starter for two runs. An unearned run in the fifth would briefly tie the game at 3-3 for CBU.

Delta State erupted for six runs on six hits in the sixth inning to put the game away. Six separate Statesmen recorded RBIs in the inning. DSU would add a single run in the ninth to make the final margin 10-3.

Smalley (4-2) recorded the complete game allowing three runs, two earned, on nine hits. The flame throwing righthander also recorded four strikeouts with one walk. John Dausch (3-5) took the loss for CBU. The senior allowed nine earned runs on 12 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Chris Clark led DSU at the plate. The senior from Paducah, Ky., went 3-for-4 with three runs scored, a two-run home run (1), and three RBI. Rickey Noland was 2-for-5 with two RBI as well. Hunter Jobes, Devin Goodwin, Clay Sartain, and Michael Niemann all recorded multi-hit games for DSU.

Joe Kaminski went 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Bucs.

In game two, the right arm of junior Korey Cunningham proved to be too much for the Bucs, as the Statesmen claimed a 9-3 win. The junior from Clinton pitched a complete game to earn the win.

The Statesmen once again jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first and never looked back. Anthony Palasini provided the big-hit in the inning, a two-RBI single to left, to plate the runs.

DSU made it 5-0 in the fourth on Devin Goodwin’s two-run home run (4) to left.

The Statesmen made it 7-0 on Clay Sartain’s two-RBI single to left in the top of the sixth inning. However, the Bucs would finally push a run across in the bottom of the inning on a solo home run (3) by shortstop Mark Foster.

The Statesmen put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh, as freshman Michael Niemann’s two-RBI single found its way through the right side of infield for a 9-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, Bobby Lawrence smashed a solo shot over the left field way to make the final margin 9-2.

Cunningham (3-1) pitched all seven innings to earn the win. The Clinton native allowed two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts. CBU’s Dave Dalugach (3-5) earned the loss after pitching 5.1 innings. The lefty surrendered seven runs on six hits with three walks, three strikeouts and three hit-by-pitches.

Devin Goodwin, Clay Sartain, Anthony Palisini and Michael Niemann all recorded two RBIs for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen and Bucs will conclude the series on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a single game. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will have the call.

March 19, 2008

SECOND-RANKED TIGERS EDGE TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN 7-5 IN 10 INNINGS AT TRUSTMARK PARK; DELTA STATE AT CHRISTIAN BROTHERS THIS WEEKEND

• Box Score  

PEARL – The second-ranked West Alabama Tigers (24-4) edged the tenth-ranked Delta State University Statesmen (18-8) 7-5 in 10 innings on Wednesday at Trustmark Park.

After West Alabama jumped out to an early 5-0 lead over the first three innings, Delta State charged back to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of sixth. Both teams had several opportunities over the final three innings of regulation, but neither could plate a run.

In the top of the tenth, UWA scored two runs on an RBI-single by Matt Busbee and a sac-fly RBI by Nate Wheeler. Leading 7-5 headed into the bottom of the inning, UWA reliever Kasey Nafzger (3-0) slammed the door on DSU to earn the win.

UWA’s Nafzger pitched 4.2 innings allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts. Josh Varner started the game for UWA, pitching 5.1 innings allowing four earned runs.

Delta State’s Levi Bishop (2-1) took the loss after pitching 2.0 innings of relief. Bishop allowed two earned runs on four hits over the ninth and tenth innings. Clint Marcott started the game for DSU, but managed just 2.0 innings pitched. Joey Haston and Marcus Wilson also pitched in relief.

Rob Dalhberg and Trey Avans provided the power for UWA with back-to-back home runs in the third inning. Avans finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.

Clay Sartain went 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI to lead DSU.

he Statesmen will return to action Friday, March 21 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 11:45 a.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will have the call.

March 19, 2008

DELTA STATE ’S JUSTIN SMITH NAMED GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior righthander Justin Smith has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, March 16. Monday’s honor is the first this season for Smith and the fifth overall in his career.

The Ridgeland native posted a 1-0 record last week in two starts including a three-hit, complete game shutout of second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University on Sunday. In 15 innings pitched, Smith allowed three earned runs on 10 hits with one walk and 13 strikeouts. In Sunday’s performance versus the high-powered offense of OBU, Smith went the distance allowing only three hits, while striking out seven in Delta State’s 9-0 win.

Smith, a two-time American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings All-Region selection, currently ranks fifth all-time in school history with 27 victories. In 47 career starts, Smith is 27-11 with a 2.45 ERA.

March 16, 2008  

DELTA STATE’S JUSTIN SMITH TOSSES THREE-HIT SHUTOUT IN 9-0 WIN OVER SECOND-RANKED TIGERS

• Box Score  

CLEVELAND – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball team used a complete game three-hit shutout by senior right-hander Justin Smith to claim a 9-0 victory over second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen took the series 2-1 with the win and improved to 18-7 overall and 2-1 in league play, while the Tigers record slid to 24-4 and 1-2 in GSC play.

Smith (3-3) baffled Tiger hitters all afternoon, tossing nine innings allowing only three hits with seven strikeouts. The senior from Ridgeland improved to 27-11 all-time in his career at DSU and moved into fifth place on the all-time wins list.

DSU got it going in the third with three runs on three straight RBI hits from Hunter Jobes, Devin Goodwin and Clay Sartain.

The Statesmen made it 5-0 in the fifth on Devin Goodwin’s third home run of the year, a two-run shot over the left field wall.

In the sixth, Chris Clark scored on an RBI-single to left by Trenton Lee to go up 6-0. Chris Clark’s sac-fly RBI in the seventh made it 7-0. In the bottom of the eighth, DSU scored two more runs on RBI-singles from Hunter Jobes and Clay Sartain to make the final 9-0.

The Statesmen finished the day with nine runs on 14 hits with no errors. The Tigers went scoreless on just three hits with one error. OBU stranded four, while the Statesmen stranded eight.

Hunter Jobes went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI for the Statesmen. Devin Goodwin was also 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, two runs scored and three RBI. Clay Sartain was 3-for-5 with two RBI, while J.T. Taylor and Chris Clark both had two hits each.

Chase Baran (4-1) took the loss for OBU after pitching 5.1 innings allowing six earned runs on 11 hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Zach Wilbanks and Reece Dodd pitched in relief for the Tigers.

The Statesmen will return to action Wednesday, March 19 at Trustmark Park versus West Alabama. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 6:15 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

March 15, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN AND SECOND-RANKED TIGERS SPLIT SATURDAY’S DOUBLEHEADER 3-5 AND 5-4; GAME THREE SUNDAY AT 2 PM

• Game One Box
• Game Two Box  

CLEVELAND – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball team split their Gulf South Conference opener with second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University, 3-5 and 5-4, Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen moved to 17-7 and 1-1 in league play, while the Tigers record slid to 23-4 and 1-1 in GSC play.

In game one, Delta State starter Kenny Smalley baffled Tiger batters for 8.2 innings before Destan Mackonnen slammed a three-run home run over the right field wall to give OBU a 5-3 lead. Despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out, the Statesmen couldn’t muster the hit needed to bring them back into the contest.

OBU scored all five of their runs on home runs, as Brian Wade (4) and Mackonnen (11) went deep for the Tigers.

Smalley (3-2) took the loss after pitching the complete game. The junior transfer from John A. Logan Community struck out 11 Tiger batters, while allowing five runs on four hits.

Steve Smith (4-1) earned the win for OBU. Smith worked nine innings allowing three runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts.

Rickey Noland led the Statesmen at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance. The senior from Denham Springs, La., smacked a two-RBI double and recorded an infield single.

In game two, the Statesmen rallied from a 4-1 deficit to claim a 5-4 victory. OBU scored one run in the second to go up 1-0. DSU tied it at 1-1 in the bottom of the third on Rickey Noland’s RBI-single.

In the top of the fourth, OBU gained the lead once again 2-1 on Dan Wurelbacher’s RBI single. The Tigers made it 4-1 on Ryan Jovanovski’s two-run home run in the fifth.

The Statesmen would rally for three runs in the bottom of the fifth on a two-RBI double by Max Freeman and an RBI single from Chris Clark.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Statesmen would take the lead for good, as J.T Taylor scored the game winning run on Clay Sartain’s single to right.

Levi Bishop (1-1) slammed the door in the seventh for the win. Bishop earned the win in relief after pitching 1.1 innings allowing no runs with one strikeout. Korey Cunningham worked 5.0 innings after making the start for the Statesmen.

Rickey Noland again proved to be a force for the Statesmen with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate. J.T. Taylor and Clay Sartain also had three hit performances for Delta State.

The rubber match of the series will take place Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 1:45 p.m. with Matt Jones and Keith Latham on the call.

March 12, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO CHARGERS 6-5

• Box Score  

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball dropped its second straight game to the Chargers of the University of Alabama-Huntsville, 5-6, at Joe Davis Stadium. The Statesmen fell to 16-6 on the season, while the Chargers improved to 12-14. The win also gave UAH the series 2-0.

After a scoreless first inning, the Statesmen found their offensive rhythm in the top of the second with four runs. Hunter Jobes’ bases clearing three-RBI double to left center gave the Statesmen a 3-0 lead. The offensive onslaught was not finished, as Devin Goodwin plated Jobes from second on a triple down the left field line.

Down 4-0, the Chargers entered the bottom of the inning looking to claw back into the game. UAH did just that with four runs to tie the game at 4-4.

Will Nichols’ RBI-single to center in the bottom of the third gave the Chargers a 5-4 lead.

The Statesmen would tie the game in the top of the fifth on Rickey Noland’s sac-fly RBI scoring Hunter Jobes from third.

Once again the Statesmen bullpen failed to shut down the Chargers. In the bottom of the ninth, UAH pushed across the game-winning run with an RBI-single by Will Nichols.

Korey Cunningham (2-1) took the loss after surrendering the game-winning run in the ninth. The junior from Clinton pitched 0.2 innings allowing one run on three hits. Jacob Wray (2-1) earned the win in relief for UAH. Wray worked 1.2 innings with two walks and a strikeout.

The Statesmen started Joey Haston, but the junior couldn’t get out of the third. Marcus Wilson worked 4.2 innings of relief with two walks and three strikeouts. Levi Bishop worked one scoreless inning.

Hunter Jobes went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI. The senior from Southaven had two doubles on the day. Devin Goodwin recorded a single, double and triple on the afternoon as well.

Will Nichols provided the big performance for UAH with 2-for-4, two RBI outing.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field this weekend for their Gulf South Conference opener versus second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University. The series begins Saturday with a noon doubleheader. Sunday’s series finale will begin at 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Baseball Network beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch.

March 11, 2008

CHARGERS EDGE SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN WITH NINTH INNING SCORE, 5-6
By J.T. Webb, Media Relations

• Box Score

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. - The sixth-ranked Statesmen (16-5) baseball team fell 6-5 Tuesday to Alabama-Huntsville at Joe Davis Stadium. Statesmen hitters were baffled by solid Charger pitching performances, striking out eight times, while picking up only six base hits.

The Statesmen struck first plating one run in the first inning, and two in the third; however Charger pitching held their ground for the rest of the game. DSU would manage single runs in the fourth and ninth innings to cap their scoring.

The Chargers plated the game winning run in the ninth when Jake Lee scored from third thanks to Kevin Herring’s plate appearance. All six of the Chargers runs came after the third inning.

Juiliana Indjomar, and Joe Dunlap combined on the effort, with Dunlap (4-1) picking up the win for the Chargers (11-14). Dunlap pitched 5.1 innings striking out four Statesmen, while allowing two runs with one being earned. Indjomar started the game for UAH pitching 3.2 innings, while allowing four runs on four hits with one run being earned.

Ricky Noland led the way at the dish for DSU. The senior catcher went 3-for-4 with his sixth home run and two-RBI. First baseman Steven Oswald also had a solid game at the plate going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Justin Smith turned in another solid outing on the mound for the Statesmen, but the needed run support failed to appear. Smith pitched six innings allowing three runs on seven hits, while striking out six Charger hitters.

Nathan Hardy (0-1) took the loss in relief for the Statesmen. The freshman allowed one run on three hits in the ninth inning.

UAH’s Jordan Parker went 4-for-5 with an RBI to lead the way. Rightfielder Blake Butler went 2-for-5 with two triples and an RBI in the win.

The two squads will conclude the series on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Joe Davis Stadium.

March 11, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN MOVE SERIES START WITH SECOND-RANKED TIGERS DUE TO NCAA REGIONAL

CLEVELAND - Saturday’s double-header between the No. 6 Delta State University Statesmen and the No. 2 Tigers of Ouachita Baptist has been moved to a noon start time at Ferriss Field. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at 11:45 a.m.

“There are a lot of athletic events on campus, and we want our fans to be able to enjoy all of them,” Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain said.

The three game series between the Statesmen and the Tigers is the Gulf South Conference opening series for both teams.

March 11, 2008

STATESMEN CLIMB TO SIXTH IN LATEST CBN POLL
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Complete CBN Top 30 Poll

CLEVELAND - After finishing the week on a four game winning streak, the Delta State baseball team (16-4) climbed three spots to No. 6 in this week’s Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Poll. The Statesmen swept the No. 11 Cougars of Columbus State, 7-6 and 3-2, before downing the Argonauts of West Florida, 7-3 and 6-5.

Still holding down the top spot in this week’s poll is Mount Olive College (22-1). Fellow Gulf South Conference members Ouachita Baptist (21-2) and West Alabama (17-4) come in at the second and third spots while perennial power Grand Valley State (11-1) is in fourth. In fifth place is Sonoma State (21-2) followed by Delta State (16-4) and Tampa (14-4-1). GSC member Southern Arkansas (17-3) is eighth while West Chester (10-0) enters the top ten in the ninth position. Rounding out this week’s top ten is USC-Aiken (18-5). The only other GSC school ranked in the top 30 is North Alabama (12-5).

The Statesmen return to action Wednesday versus the University of Alabama at Huntsville in Huntsville, Ala. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

March 9, 2008

STATESMEN WASH AWAY ARGONAUTS 7-3, 6-5
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Game One Box Score
• Game Two Box Score

The ninth-ranked Delta State baseball team picked up two big wins Sunday at Ferriss Field over West Florida, 7-3 and 6-5. With the wins the Statesmen improve to 16-4 on the season while the Argos fall to 11-14.

The Statesmen jumped out to an early four-run lead in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back.

Hunter Jobes led off the day for the Statesmen with a walk, and Devin Goodwin served an RBI-double down the leftfield line. Clay Sartain was hit by a pitch, and Rickey Noland walked to load the bases for Chris Clark.

Clark delivered with a two-RBI double to right-centerfield. Noland advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Brent Davidson’s RBI-groundout, giving the Statesmen a 4-0 lead after one inning.

West Florida got two runs back in the top of the second on Brandon Brewer’s RBI-double and Kyle Andrews RBI single, but that was as close as they got.

The Statesmen added a run to their two-run lead in the bottom of the second when Sartain drove in Jobes, who led off with a triple. Sartain hit a home run to leftfield to stretch the lead to four, and Jobes hit an RBI-double in the bottom of the sixth, scoring Michael Niemann, to stretch the lead to 7-2.

West Florida threatened in the top of the eighth inning, but they were only able to get one run across before Levi Bishop closed the door, leaving three Argonauts stranded on base.

Kenny Smalley (3-1) earned the win, giving up three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in 7.2 innings.

Jon Sintes (1-2) was charged with the loss, lasting just 0.2 after giving up four runs on two hits and three walks.

In game two, with the Statesmen trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the third, DSU finally got some offense going. Leadoff hitter Hunter Jobes dropped down a textbook bunt to reach base safely. Devin Goodwin followed with a line drive single to left to push Jobes all the way to third before being tagged out himself at second base. Jobes would then score on a wild pitch setting up the largest offensive outburst of the afternoon by catcher Derek Norris. After a double by Sartain to center and a Chris Clark walk, Norris would send a waste high fastball over the trees in left plating three runs for the Statesmen.

For the game, Norris finished 2-for-3 with a homerun and three RBI. Sartain was 2-for-3 himself with a double and two runs scored.

Picking up the win in relief was junior Korey Cunningham (2-0). In 3.1 innings pitched, the Clinton native did not surrender a run on four hits while striking out two Argo batters. Junior Grant Campbell pitched the final .1 innings to pick up his first save on the season (1).

Kyle Ramsey (1-4) took the loss for West Florida after pitching the final 3.1 innings.

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

March 8, 2008

SATURDAY'S GAME WITH WEST FLORIDA CANCELLED; SERIES RESUMES SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.

CLEVELAND - Saturday's single game with the Argonauts of West Florida has been cancelled due to winter weather in the Cleveland area. The series continues Sunday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

March 7, 2008

INCLEMENT WEATHER FORCES SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR DSU-UWF SERIES AT FERRISS FIELD

CLEVELAND - Winter weather in and around Ferriss Field on Friday has forced Delta State to shift the upcoming weekend series with West Florida. DSU will play a single game Saturday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Future weather updates will be made available as they are released.

March 5, 2008

DELTA STATE SWEEPS COLUMBUS STATE 7-6, 3-2
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations  

CLEVELAND - The No. 9 Delta State baseball team handed No.11 Columbus State their sixth and seventh losses on the season Wednesday at Ferriss Field 7-6 and 3-2. The Statesmen improve to 14-4 on the season, while the doubleheader losses drop the Cougars to 15-6.

In game one, DSU lit up the scoreboard for seven runs in the third behind five hits and three CSU errors. Clay Sartain’s bases loaded single to left emptied the bases and proved to be what the Statesmen needed. Noland would then step to the plate and single up the middle scoring Sartain.  That was followed by a run scoring single off the bat of Stephen Oswald that would send home Chris Clark, who had reached on an error. All said, the seven runs scored in the inning would be all the Statesmen would need as the men in Green would squeeze by with a 7-6 victory.

Clay Sartain led the way at the plate going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Leadoff man Hunter Jobes would finish 2-for-3 with a run scored as well.

Picking up the win was sophomore standout Cody Kelley (1-0). In three innings of work, the Louisville native surrendered three runs on six hits with three strikeouts. After brief appearances by both Nathan Hardy and Levi Bishop, Korey Cunningham came in and slammed the door shut giving up two hits during the final 1.2 innings of the game.

In game two, the Statesmen did all of their scoring in the bottom of the third as senior catcher Rickey Noland powered his team leading fourth home run over the left center wall collecting all three DSU RBI on the game.

Junior hurler Joey Haston (4-0) pitched a strong 3.2 innings allowing only one earned run on three hits with three strikeouts.

Noland swung the hot bat for the game finishing 2-for-3 with a double and a home run (4).

The Statesmen return to action Saturday versus the Argos of West Florida at Ferriss Field in Cleveland. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.

March 2, 2008

TENTH-RANKED TIGERS OUTLAST FOURTH-RANKED STATESMEN 11-12 IN 14 INNINGS

• Box Score  

LIVINGSTON, ALA. – It took 14 innings and 11 combined pitchers for the tenth-ranked West Alabama baseball team to claim a 12-11 victory over fourth-ranked Delta State Sunday at Tartt Field. The Tigers improved to 15-4 on the season, while the Statesmen dropped to 12-4. The victory also sealed the series win for the Tigers 2-1.

After the Statesmen jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Delta State starter Joey Haston struggled in the bottom of the inning against the Tiger offense allowing five runs in just 0.1 innings of work.

In the second, DSU cut the lead to 5-2 on Devin Goodwin’s RBI-single to left. Goodwin’s hit scored Steven Oswald from second.

Korey Cunningham held the Tigers at bay in the second through fifth innings after coming on in relief of Haston. In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers struck for two more runs to take a 7-2 lead into the seventh. UWA would add another run in the seventh for a commanding 8-2 lead.

Devin Goodwin’s run in the top of eighth cut UWA lead to 8-3 going into the ninth.

In the top of the ninth, Delta State’s offense erupted for five runs to tie the game at 8-8. Clay Sartain, Anthony Palisini, Devin Goodwin, and Hunter Jobes all drove in runs in the inning.

The Tigers failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, as the game went into extra innings.

After a scoreless tenth for both teams, the Statesmen took a 9-8 lead in the top of the eleventh on Hunter Jobes’ solo homerun to left center. The Tigers wasted little time by tying the game at 9-9 in the bottom of the inning on a RBI-single by Jeremy Finney.

In the twelfth, the Statesmen regained the lead 10-9 on Steven Oswald’s sac-fly RBI scoring Chris Clark from second. again the Tigers struck in the bottom of the inning, as Jake Deroy’s RBI-single scored Matt Busbee from second tying the game at 10-10.

Both teams failed to put runs on the board in the thirteenth inning setting up a showdown in the fourteenth.

In the top of the inning, the Statesmen again used the long ball to gain the lead, as Clay Sartain smashed a home run over the left field wall. DSU would fail to score any more runs, as the inning closed with runners on second and third.

West Alabama answered for good in the bottom of the frame. The Tigers used back-to-back RBI-singles from Jake DeRoy and Jeremy Finney to claim the win 12-11.

The Statesmen finished the game with 11 runs on 18 hits, but committed five costly errors. West Alabama managed 12 runs on 16 hits with only three errors.

Kasey Nafger (1-0) earned the win in relief for UWA. Nafger worked the final 0.2 innings to close out the win for UWA. A total of six pitchers were used by UWA in the win. Brandon Dill started the contest and worked eight innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

Kenny Smalley (2-1) took the loss for DSU after working the final 3.2 innings of relief. The Statesmen used five pitchers in the contest.

Hunter Jobes paced the Statesmen at the plate with a 3-for-6 performance. The senior from Southaven homered and drove in two runs on the day. Clay Sartain was 2-for-6 with a run scored, home run, and three RBIs.

Trey Avans finished the game with three RBIs for the Tigers.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field for a two game series with nationally-ranked Columbus State Tuesday and Wednesday. The two clubs will play a single game each day. Tuesday’s first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. with a Wednesday set for a 2 p.m. start.

MARCH 1, 2008

FOURTH-RANKED STATESMEN SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER WITH TENTH-RANKED TIGERS

• Game One Box
• Game Two Box  

LIVINGSTON, ALA. – Two of the nation’s top ranked teams met at Tartt Field Saturday, as the fourth-ranked Delta State and tenth-ranked West Alabama baseball teams split a doubleheader. The Statesmen (12-3) claimed game two 8-4 after dropping game one 3-10 to the Tigers (14-4).

In game one, the West Alabama offense proved to be too much for Delta State’s pitching staff. The Tigers plated single runs in the second and fourth innings to jump out 2-0 on the Statesmen.

In the top of the sixth, Hunter Jobes’ triple to right led to Delta State’s first run of the day, as Devin Goodwin drove home the senior with a sac-fly to left.

Leading 2-1, West Alabama erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the inning to put the game out of reach, 9-1. The Tigers made it 10-1 on an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of eighth, Rickey Noland’s two-run home run to left cut the UWA lead to seven, 3-10.

The Ti