University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Baseball Splits Route One Rivalry Doubleheader, 4-6 & 6-5, Behind Stoltzfus? Walk-off Double
3/13/2013 5:34:00 PM | Baseball
With the split in the Route One Rivalry doubleheader, Delaware and Delaware State each left the diamond with a 9-6 overall record. The Blue Hens snapped a three-game losing streak to the Hornets with the win in their final at-bat in the nightcap.
“I think it was kind of a push day,” Delaware head coach Jim Sherman. “Delaware State did the little things that gave them the edge in game one while we squeaked out what we needed to do for the win in game two.”
Tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning of game two, pinch-hitter Alex Mottle slipped a lead-off single through the right side. After a failed sacrifice bunt attempt and a ground out advanced Mottle to second base, Stoltzfus, who was pinch-hitting, lined a double over the DSU's center fielder's head which allowed Mottle to score the game-winning run.
“I think it is always better winning the second game of a doubleheader,” said Sherman. “It gives us a little extra momentum.”
The Blue Hens hammered 10-plus hits in both contests, totaling 22 on the day. Joe Giacchino extended his hitting streak to 11 games while collecting four hits, two RBI, and four runs scored in the doubleheader.
“Giacchino is the prototype leadoff guy with the ability to drop down the bunt and showcase some surprising power,” said Sherman. “He has been really developing his game and has been as steady as any player on the team all season,.”
With two hits in each game, Nick Ferdinand saw his hitting streak reach eight games. Jimmy Yezzo added four hits and four RBI while Zach Lopes added three hits.
Delaware State collected 15 hits in the doubleheader as DJ Miller and Mitchell Moore collected three hits apiece. Moore hit the solo home run in the top of the seventh inning that forced game two into extra-innings.
Stephen Richter (3-0) earned the victory for the Blue Hens after the right-hander surrendered a game-tying home run in the top of the seventh inning. He struck out three in 2.1 innings of relief.
Derek Marshellsea (1-2) suffered the loss after he allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk in 2.2 innings of relief for the Hornets.
Game two starter Connor Hibbs received a no-decision after the Delaware starter was charged with three runs (two earned) on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts in three innings pitched.
Delaware State's Ryan Haas also had a no-decision in game two as the southpaw allowed five earned runs on eight hits and two walks in four innings of work.
In game one of the doubleheader, Delaware State jumped to an early 3-0 lead through the first two innings. The Blue Hens scored two runs in the third and sixth innings, but the Hornets added runs over the final three frames that provided the difference. In game one the Blue Hens outhit the Hornets, 10-9, but left 10 men on the bases.
DSU's Elliot Gardner (1-0) yielded four runs (three earned) on nine hits, three walks, and two strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched for his first win of the season in the first game.
Starter Brandon Hinkle (0-1) suffered the loss in game one for the Blue Hens as the left-hander surrendered three earned runs on three hits, six walks, and two strikeouts in two innings on the mound.
Delaware returns to Colonial Athletic Association action with a three-game weekend series against the College of William & Mary on Friday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at Bob Hannah Stadium.
“Conference games are always important especially at home,” said Sherman. “We need to come into Friday focused to achieve the outcome we want to have on Sunday.”
Right-hander Chad Kuhl (2-1, 3.14 earned-run average) will take the mound for the Blue Hens on Friday while William & Mary will hand the ball to right-hander John Farrell (3-0, 2.35 ERA).
