DOVER (March 18, 2009) ? The Delaware State Hornets (5-8-1) fell to the La Salle Explorers (8-6), 15-4, on Wednesday, March 18 at Soldier Field.  The Explorers broke the game open with 11 runs over the fifth and sixth innings to hand the Hornets their eighth loss of the season.

Delaware State tallied four runs on eight hits and was led by Justin Bittner, who finished the afternoon with two RBI following a 2-for-3 performance versus La Salle. The Newark, Del., native increased his team-high RBI total to 20 and registered his fifth double of the season. Bittner also took the mound for the Hornets, making his third start of the season, allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out one in two innings of action. Senior shortstop Jose Sanchez finished the contest going 2-for-4 with and RBI and a run scored versus the Explorers. Left fielder Jared Lineweaver rounded out the Hornets with multiple-hits, batting 2-for-4 with a runs scored.

Nine different pitchers were used during Wednesday's contest, including right-hander Jose Portela (0-1), who picked up the loss, allowing one run on three hits in one inning of relief.

La Salle, which fell behind following a three-run first inning for the Hornets, rattled off 15-straight runs, including a four-run fifth and a seven-run sixth to earn the team's eighth win of the season. The Hornets could only muster one more run in the bottom of the seventh, dropping the teams' eighth game in the last nine outings.

The Explorers were led be designated hitter Marc Schoch, who went 4-for-5 with one RBI and three runs scored. Six different Explorers tallied multiple-hits games, including T.J. Chism (3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored), and Jon Gyles (3-for-4 with on RBI and three runs scored).

Sean Kennedy (2-0) earned the victory, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits while striking out five in five innings pitched.

Delaware State will host Wagner in a four-game series beginning Friday, March 20. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.