Pensacola, Fla. — Delta State University’s baseball team edged Edward Waters 3-2 Friday afternoon in an elimination game. The Statesmen relied on a three-run third inning and solid pitching to secure the win.
Delta State improved to 32-22 this season. Mason Shropshire, Eli Akins and Ryan Herbison combined on the mound to limit Edward Waters to five hits and strike out six batters.
The Statesmen broke through in the top of the third inning. Landon Holliman drew a walk, stole second, and scored on an Edward Waters error. Walker Maranto then delivered an RBI double to left field. Austin Batts followed with an RBI double down the left field line to extend the lead to 3-0.
Edward Waters responded with a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning and cut the deficit to one in the seventh on an RBI single by Joseph Di Cesare. Despite the rally, Delta State’s bullpen held firm late in the game.
Shropshire earned the win after pitching 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out four. Akins threw 1.2 scoreless innings in relief. Herbison recorded the final two outs for his second save of the season.
At the plate, Maranto led Delta State with a 2-for-5 effort and an RBI. Holliman added two hits and scored a run. Batts also contributed with an RBI double in the third inning.
The Statesmen will face the loser of the Lee-West Florida game in an elimination contest Saturday at 1 p.m.
