Rock Hill, S.C. (Feb. 21, 2013) --- Delaware State did not allow a hit through five innings at Winthrop, but the Eagles scored three runs in the sixth en route to a 3-2 victory over the Hornets this evening. DSU had the potential tying run on second base with one out in the top of the ninth inning, but Ryan Haas lined into a double play to end the game.

The loss overshadowed a brilliant season debut by Hornet starter Jordan Elliott, who threw five hitless innings before being relieved after throwing 86 pitches. Elliott struck out seven batters and walked four. He struck out the side in the fifth and fanned two in the second.

Delaware State outhit Winthrop 7-4, but stranded 11 men on base. The Hornets left two men on base in the second, fourth, seventh and eighth innings.   

The game was scoreless until the top of the fifth when the Hornets got on the board with an unearned run. DJ Miller was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Miller advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Justin Allen and scored the game's first run when JP Frey reached base on a throwing error. Frey was stranded on third when the inning ended.

The Hornets were still ahead 1-0 when Derek Marshallsea relieved Elliott in the bottom of the sixth. Leighton Daniels led off the Winthrop sixth with a single for the Eagles' first hit of the game. Cody Dolan followed with a double to put Winthrop runners on second and third with none out. The next batter, Matt Lobacz, doubled to right, scoring Daniels and Dolan to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. Lobacz was on third with two out when Max Vogel singled him home to give Winthrop a 3-1 lead.

Delaware State responded with a run in the top of the seventh to pull closer. JP Frey singled to center with two outs to start the rally. Cameron Cecil followed with a walk to put DSU runners on first and second. The next batter, Ryan Haas, reached base on a fielder's choice. Frey scored on a throwing error the play to cut Winthrop's lead to 3-2. The Hornets had runners on second and third when Eagle reliever Eric Ruth struck out Eddie Sorondo to end the threat.

DSU had runners on second and first with two out in the eighth, but Ruth retired Justin Allen on a ground out to end the inning.

Frey had three hits in five at bats, while Sorondo was two-for-four for the Hornets.

Winthrop starter Matt Pierpont was the winning pitcher. He allowed five hits and one unearned run, while striking out seven, in six innings. Marshallsea was tagged with the loss for the Hornets. Newcomer George Michael pitched a scoreless eighth inning for DSU.  

Delaware State and Winthrop will play again tomorrow in the Rock Hill Coca Cola Classic. Game time is 4:00 p.m.