Dover, Del. (Apr. 18, 2021) --- Ryan Miller tossed eight shutout innings and catcher Chet Sikes drove in three runs to lead North Carolina Central to 6-0 win over Delaware State in the finale of a four-game MEAC series at Soldier Field today. The win earned the Eagles a split in the series.
Miller allowed six hits, while striking out six and walking three to help No. Carolina Central even its MEAC record to 6-6 and overall mark to 14-13.
The Eagles opened the scoring when Sikes singled in two runs off DSU starter C.J. Loper in the top of the third inning.
N.C. Central maintained the two-run lead until tacking on four more runs in the top of the seventh. Sikes singled in his third run of the game, while Luis DeLeon had a run-scoring single and Cameron Norgren drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the inning.
Reliever Caleb McRoy retired the Hornets in order in the ninth inning, striking out two, to close out the win for the Eagles.
Catcher Robert Trujillo had two of the Hornets' six hits, singling twice in two at bats before leaving the game with an injury after collision at home plate.
DSU's Trey Paige had the lone extra base hit in the game, doubling with one out in the sixth, but was stranded at second when the inning ended.
Cole Garey had a second inning single for the Hornets. Garey has hit safely in 13 of the last 14 games.
Loper allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits, while striking out six and walking two, in six innings.
The Hornets (11-14; 9-6 MEAC) return to action with a four-game series at home against Norfolk State next weekend (Apr. 23-25). The teams will play single games on Friday (Apr. 23) and Sunday (Apr. 25), and a double-header on Saturday (Apr. 24).