DOVER (April 25, 2009) ? The Delaware State Baseball Team (18-16-1, 9-5 MEAC) split its doubleheader with the North Carolina A&T Aggies (12-29, 5-8 MEAC), winning the first game, 3-2, and dropping the second, 7-5, on Saturday, April 25 at Soldier Field.
In Game One, DSU and N.C. A&T battled in pitcher's duel which pitted each team's ace against one-another. Taking the mound for DSU was five-time MEAC Pitcher of the Week Dan Perkins (5-3), who allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out six in eight and one-third innings of action to pick up his fifth win of the season. North Carolina A&T's Esterlin Paulino lasted seven innings, giving up three runs (all unearned) on four hits, striking out six Hornet batters. Paulino was saddled with the loss (his fourth of the year).
DSU was led by Mike Rizzuto, who went 1-for-4 with one RBI and on run scored. Seniors Jared Lineweaver and Ryne Mailen each accounted for the team's other two runs.
Aggie right fielder Cyril Daniel scored both runs for N.C. A&T, going 2-for-4 in the contest.
Delaware State jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first two innings. The Aggies committed four errors in the first two frames, leading to DSU's three-run advantage. N.C. A&T got on the board in the top of the fifth and pulled within one run with a score in the top of the ninth. Closer Brandon Penick came in for relief of Perkins in the top of the ninth and earned his fourth save of the year.
During Game Two, N.C. A&T jumped out to 5-0 lead in the top of the first. The Aggies scored five runs on three hits to start the game, including a grand slam by Daniel. The N.C. A&T outfielder hit 2-for-3, including two home runs with five RBI and two runs scored in the game.
Trailing 7-0 in the fifth inning, DSU scored two runs to cut the Aggie lead to five runs. RBIs by Justin Bittner and Abe Eubank made the score 7-2. The Hornets rallied for two more runs in the bottom of the sixth following a two-RBI double by Bittner to cut the Aggie deficit to 7-4. Bittner finished the contest with three RBI on 1-for-3 hitting. DSU looked to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh however the rally fell short as the Hornets scored only one run as the N.C.A&T won, 7-5.
Jose Sanchez and Warren Stimpson each finished the contest with multiple hits. Sanchez went 2-for-3 with two runs scored while Stimpson hit 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Left-hander Nick Boles was credited with the victory, giving up two runs on three hits and striking out six in four and two-thirds inning of action.
Senior Josh Schmidt (4-6) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs on seven hits in five innings pitched.
Delaware State and North Carolina A&T will square off in the third and final contest of the weekend series on Sunday, April 26. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Prior to first pitch (approximately 12:20 p.m.), DSU will honor its 11 seniors as the wind down their Delaware State career.
