DOVER, DE --The Delaware State Hornets took a 7-5 lead into the eighth inning, but could not hang on and fell 17-7 to the Coppin State Eagles Thursday.

Freshman Ethan Johnson came out of the bullpen for Delaware State (4-26, 3-16) and took the loss. Freshman Jeremy Vest was a bright spot for the Hornets, starting the ballgame and throwing five innings, giving up one run on five hits, with three walks and five strikeouts.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 1-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the first inning. Sophomore A. Rodriguez drove in two runs for Delaware State with a single, that scored freshman Hassan Turner and junior Jabril Bullock.

The Hornets then held the Eagles scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Delaware State managed to push across two runs in the inning, which brought the Hornets lead to 4-1.

Delaware State held Coppin State without a run before expanding their lead to 6-1 the following inning. The Hornets scored twice, with one run coming across on Turner's single.

The Eagles gained ground, closing the gap to 6-5 until Delaware State added some insurance in the seventh. The Hornets added a run on freshman Brandon Boyd's leadoff dinger off junior L. Corcoran, bringing the Delaware State advantage to 7-5. The Hornets were unable to hold the lead, as Coppin State scored 12 times over the remaining two innings to grab the 17-7 win.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS 
» Turner led the Hornets, picking up three base knocks in the ballgame. 
» Delaware State pitchers faced 58 Coppin State hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out seven.
» The Hornets drew six walks from Coppin State pitching.
» Boyd led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI. 

Up Next...
The Hornets will return Friday, April 17 in continued conference play for game two in a three game series vs. Coppin State. First Pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.