Norfolk, Va. (Apr. 23, 2011) --- Matt McClain and Elliot Gardner hurled complete game shutouts in Delaware State's doubleheader sweep of Norfolk State at Marty Miller Field this afternoon. The Hornets won the opener 1-0 behind McClain's three-hit gem, while Gardner tossed a four-hitter in DSU's 5-0 victory in the nightcap.

McClain (fr. Dover, Del./Polytech HS) was working on a no-hitter until John Lynch singled with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. He allowed just two other singles while striking out four to post his first career shutout. McClain improved his season record to 4-5 and lowered his earned run average to 3.53.

Delaware State (20-19; 8-3 MEAC) scored the only run of the game in the third inning. Brandon Crist was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. He was sacrificed to second by Troy Drummond and was chased home when Keith Hernandez followed with a single to center.

Norfolk State (15-23; 7-7 MEAC) put two runners on base with one out in the sixth, but McClain retired the next two batters to get out of the jam.

In the Norfolk State ninth, Brandon Hairston singled to lead off the inning. Hairston was sacrificed to second and moved to third on a groundout. McClain then retired Chris Joyce on a grounder to second to end the game.

Scott Davis and Cameron Cecil had two hits each for the Hornets in game one.

In the seven inning nightcap, Gardner (so. Middletown, Del./Middletown HS) scattered four singles and struck out three to post his first career shutout.

Delaware State opened the game two scoring with a run in the top of the first. Hernandez walked to lead off the game and advanced to second when Davis was hit by a pitch. After Ryan Haas was retired, Hernandez moved to third on a fly out by Aaron Nardone. Davis stole second to give the Hornets runners on third and second with two outs. Hernandez scored and Davis went to third on a wild pitch by Norfolk State starter Justin Bhatti.

The Hornets scored three runs in the fourth to open up a 4-0 lead. Joey Babuca drove in Haas on a one-out single and DJ Miller also singled in a run in the inning. DSU also scored on a Norfolk State throwing error in the fourth.

Delaware State scored its final run in the fifth. Davis led off the inning with a walk and later scored on a double by Cecil.

The Hornets had nine hits in the nightcap, including two each by Haas and Cecil.

The back-to-back shutouts marked the first time that Delaware State has blanked an opponent in a doubleheader since two 12-0 victories over Maryland-Eastern Shore in a 2001 twin-bill.

Delaware State has posted five shutouts this season. The team record is nine, also during the 2001 season.

The Hornets return to action on Wednesday (Apr. 27) at Towson. Game time is 3:00 p.m.