DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 2, 2009) ? The Delaware State Baseball Team (19-20-1, 10-7 MEAC) split its doubleheader with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (25-24, 15-2 MEAC) falling in Game One, 5-4, and winning Game Two, 10-8, at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Saturday, May 2.

The Hornets fell in Game One, 5-4, in front of a national audience (ESPNU). Back-to-back home runs by B-CU's Emmanuel Castro and Chris Brown in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference as the conference's top two teams faced off on Saturday.

In a series-opening contest pitting two of the top pitchers in the MEAC, DSU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. A sacrifice fly by Justin Bittner drove in the game's first run during the Hornets' half of the first. Bittner finished the game hitting 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Wildcats tied the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the first as Ryan Durrence drove in a run. The Hornets regained their lead in the top of the second off of an RBI single by Jose Sanchez. Sanchez went 2-for-5 with an RBI in the game.

The Hornets got to starter Hiram Burgos (5-3) early scoring two runs early. Burgos finished the contest, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out six to pick up his fifth win of the season.

Five-time MEAC Pitcher of the Week Dan Perkins (5-4) suffered the loss allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits with six strikeouts in eight innings of action.

Bethune-Cookman took its first lead of the game with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Wildcats extended their lead, 5-2, following solo home runs by Castro and Brown.

The Hornets rallied scoring a run in the top of the seventh and a run in the top of the ninth. Ryne Mailen pulled DSU within one run on the ninth with a RBI single to right field. However, a double play by the B-CU infield ended the game, 5-4. Mailen went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Delaware State rebounded with a Game Two victory, 10-8. The second game of the Saturday twin bill saw 18 runs on 18 hits and no errors among the two teams.

The Hornets jumped out to an early 4-1 lead and held off the Wildcats for Bethune-Cookman's second conference loss of the season.

Jordan Elliott (2-1) picked up his second win of the season, giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits with six strikeouts in five innings pitched. Brandon Penick earned his fifth save of the season, shutting out the Wildcats in the game's final inning.

The Hornets were led offensively by Mike Rizzuto, who went 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. Abe Eubank recorded his eighth home run of the year ? a two-run blast in the top of the first. Eubank finished the game, batting 1-for-1 with two RBI and two runs scored. Eubank's home run gave the Hornets a lead they never relinquished. In all, seven DSU batters registered at least one hit in the game.

Delaware State will close out its three-game series with Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, May 3. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.