Montgomery, Ala. — Delta State opened its weekend series against Auburn University at Montgomery with an 11-0 run-rule victory Friday evening at the AUM Baseball Complex.
Adrian Byrd pitched a seven-inning complete game, allowing four hits and striking out 11 to earn the win. The senior right-hander (6-1) kept the Warhawks off the board despite issuing two walks.
The Statesmen scored early and often. Tucker Jones launched a two-run home run in the third inning to put Delta State ahead. Henley Parker then drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-0.
Delta State extended its lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single from Walker Maranto. The team broke the game open in the sixth, scoring three runs on an RBI from Landon Holliman, a run-scoring single from Jones, and a two-run double by Maranto to push the lead to 7-0.
The visitors put the game out of reach in the seventh, tallying four runs highlighted by a three-run double from Maranto. The team finished with 13 hits, led by Jones, who went 3-for-5 with four RBIs and four runs scored.
AUM managed just four hits and struck out 11 times against Byrd, unable to mount any significant offense. The Warhawks fell to 11-32 overall and 6-22 in the Gulf South Conference.
Delta State will aim to carry its momentum into the rest of the series with a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Central time.
