Norfolk, Va. (May 16, 2013) --- Delaware State University's high hopes for the 2013 MEAC Tournament championship have ended in quick fashion. The Hornets were eliminated from the tournament with a 5-1 loss to defending champion Bethune-Cookman at Marty Miller Field Thursday evening. DSU, a No. 1 seed after capturing its second straight MEAC Northern Division title, dropped its two tournament contests to end the season at 33-15. After falling to North Carolina A&T in its tournament opener on Wednesday, the Hornets needed six consecutive wins to claim the championship.
Bethune-Cookman starter Montana Durapau (9-3) kept the Hornets at bay for much of the game to earn the win. Durapu allowed six hits and one unearned run, while striking out six Hornets without a walk in 8.2 innings. BCU closer Jordan Dailey struck out Cameron Onderko with two men on base in the ninth to end the game.
Bethune-Cookman opened the scoring with two runs in the top of the first inning. The first run crossed the plate when DSU left fielder Aaron Nardone was charged with an error on a fly ball by Eric Sams. The Wildcats scored their second run of the inning when Hornet starter Jordan Elliott walked P.J. Biocic with the bases loaded. Elliott walked four batters and threw 40 pitches in the first inning.
The Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the third inning. Hassan Evans and Mitchell Moore singled to lead off the inning. Evans advanced to third on a fly out by Cameron Cecil; and scored on an error by BCU shortstop Jordan Thomas on a ground ball by J.P. Frey. The Hornets had runners at second and third with two outs in the inning, but Wildcat starter Montana Durapau struck out Ryan Haas to end the inning.
Elliott settled down to tame the Wildcats in the second and third innings, but ran into more trouble in the fourth. BCU scored fourth inning runs on a bases loaded walk, a fielder's choice and a wild pitch to open up a 5-1 lead.
Elliott was relieved in the sixth after walking the leadoff batter in the inning. He allowed five runs (three earned) on just four hits, while striking out seven and walking six. Elliott (9-2) suffered the loss to end his DSU career with a record of 28-13. He is the Hornets' all-time wins leader.
Delaware State threatened in the seventh inning when Aaron Nardone doubled with two outs to put runners on second and third; but Durapau retired Eddie Sorondo on a grounder to short to end the threat.
Clay Middleton had three of BCU's six hits. Delaware State had six hits; one by six different players. Nardone's double was the only extra base hit in the game.
The Wildcats, looking to win their eighth straight MEAC Tournament title, will face North Carolina A&T in an elimination contest on Friday at 2:00 p.m.
