University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
Western Kentucky
Baseball Takes Game One Against WKU
5/14/2026 10:16:00 PM | Baseball
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware baseball program kicked off its final home series with a 7-3 victory over CUSA opponent Western Kentucky on Thursday night at Bob Hannah Stadium. CUSA opponent Western Kentucky. With the win, the Fightin' Blue Hens improve to 18-23 overall and 6-22 in CUSA play, while the Hilltoppers fall to 28-25 on the season and 13-15 in conference action.
HEN HIGHLIGHTS
- Three Blue Hens recorded multiple hits: Sal Mineo (2-for-3, 2 2B, RBI), Jeremy Wolf (2-for-4, 2B, RBI) and Cole Carbone (2-for-3).
- Matthew Minckler had a base hit, two RBIs and two stolen bases.
- Nick Bilotto made his first-career start on the mound. He pitched in three innings, allowed two earned runs off five hits and struck out three batters.
- Jake Marchesano came in relief and pitched the following 2.2 innings. He struck out four batters and allowed three hits.
- Dylan Bryan fired 3.1 scoreless innings to finish the game, allowing just one hit while striking out seven.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Hilltoppers got a run on the board in the top of the first, but Delaware responded with three of its own in the bottom of the first inning off of RBI hits from Wolf and Anthony DeCesare, followed by a sacrifice fly by Minckler.
- WKU quickly cut the UD lead to one in the second inning, but a Mineo RBI double in the second followed by an RBI single from Harry Carr in the third put the Hens up 5-2 through three innings.
- Delaware continued to score with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to extend the lead to five. Minckler drove in a run with a fielder's choice ground out before Harry Carr executed a safety squeeze to plate Wolf.
- WKU added an unearned run in the top of the sixth, but Bryan slammed the door the rest of the way to seal the win.
GAME NOTES
- The 14 strikeouts by Blue Hen pitchers tied a season high, matching the 14 strikeouts Delaware had against La Salle in the home opener on February 17.
- Wolf extended his hitting streak to 12 games, extending his career high. It is tied for the longest hit streak this season by a Blue Hen.
- Carbone recorded his first multi-hit game of his career.
- Bryan set a new career high with seven strikeouts.
- Marchesano tied his career high with four strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Blue Hens return to Bob Hannah Stadium for game two of the series on Friday evening at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The final home game will now be played at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
TICKETS
Click here to secure your seats for the final two home games of the season.
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