Dover, Del. (Feb. 26, 2021) --- Mayanah McIntosh tossed a four-hit complete game and Delaware State scored all of its runs in the bottom the sixth inning of a 3-1 victory over Akron in game one of a season-opening doubleheader today. The Zips bounced back to win the nightcap 3-0 to earn the split.
McIntosh allowed one run on four hits, while striking out nine and walking three in her Hornets' debut. She was engaged in a scoreless duel with Akron starter Olivia Stefanoni for five innings.
After McIntosh kept the Zips off the board in the top of the sixth, Olivia Otani replaced Stefanoni in the circle for Akron in the bottom of the inning.
DSU's Jaelyn Baker singled to lead off the sixth, and advanced to second on a passed ball. Baker moved third on a ground out by Alaena Seldon.  Jade King was then hit by a pitch, giving the Hornets runners at third and first with one out. The next batter, Jonah Cunnigan, reached base on a fielder's choice, allowing Baker to score the game's first run. Two batters later, pinch hitter Yanique Spencer smashed a double off the fence in right field to score King and Cunnigan, giving DSU a 3-0 lead.
Akron scored its only run of the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh.    
The win was Delaware State's first in a season opener since a 4-3 victory over Drexel on Feb. 15, 2014.
In the nightcap, Akron's Sheridon Wilber tossed a five-hit shutout, striking out three without issuing a walk in the contest.
The Zips opened the scoring with two runs in the top of the fourth inning. The first run scored on a fielder's choice and the second on a DSU throwing error.
Akron added a run in the fifth when Molly McChesney singled to lead off the inning and later scored on a ground out.
Jaelyn Baker had two of the Hornets' three hits in the nightcap, giving her three hits in six at bats in the twin-bill.
The Hornets and Zips will close out the series with a single game on Saturday. Start time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.