SUMMARY

The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks utilized an eight-run fourth inning and a six-run sixth inning to defeat the Delaware State Hornets, 16-5, in run-rule fashion at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. The Hawks also partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to hold their Alzheimer's Awareness Game during the matchup where the UMES baseball community raised funds for the cause, educated themselves and others on Alzheimer's and Dementia, and banded with family, fans, and friends to strike out Alzheimer's.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 16

Delaware State Hornets - 5

(Hawks win Series 2-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED

On a cool, sunny day in Salisbury, the Hornets opened the second game of the three-game series with a three-RBI double to put Delaware State up in the first inning. The visiting Hornets, clad in black jerseys, added another run the following inning to take a lead, 4-, heading into the third inning. 

Despite the early deficit, the Hawks, clad in their maroon jerseys, usurped control of the game starting in the third frame. Ansel Carson started a third inning rally with an infield single before Julian Jimenez drew a walk to put two runners on base. Diego Aponte brought Carson and Jimenez home on the ensuing at-bat with a two RBI double to center field to bring the Hawks within striking distance, 4-2. In the fourth inning, Danny Sadler Jr. singled up the middle with a two-RBI hit to tie up the ballgame. Ansel Carson followed up the big hit by Sadler with an RBI single to put the Maroon and Grey in the lead for good. Julian Jimenez upped the ante by lacing a two-RBI single to put the Hawks up three. With the Hawks ahead, 7-4, Diego Aponte hammered a two-run home run over the right center field wall to send the Hawk dugout into a frenzy. As a final exclamation point, Ryan Howe drove in another run on a single to complete an emphatic eight-run inning for the Hawks.

After Maryland Eastern Shore took advantage of free passes on hit by pitches and walks to add six insurance runs in the sixth, the Hawks cruised to a home victory in run-rule fashion, 16-5.

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks finished with 16 runs on 10 hits and two errors while the Hornets recorded five runs on four hits and six errors.

Diego Aponte posted another great game, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate with a home run, double, and four RBI. Aponte now has two home runs on the season and is on a current 11 game hit streak. The junior from Puerto Rico also has record multi-hit games in three of his last four starts.

The Hawks scored a season-high 16 runs in just six innings of at bats. This is the most runs UMES has scored in one game since May 20, 2023 when the Maroon and Grey put up 18 runs in a senior day win over Delaware State

Carter Champey earned his first collegiate win on the mound, striking out four across four innings. 

Cade Williams earned his first save of the season with a three inning outing in which he gave up just a single run. 

Danny Sadler Jr. has put together a solid series, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBI. Sadler now has three RBI in the last two games.

Ansel Carson finished 2-for-5 with 2 RBI. Carson now has recorded a multi-hit game in four of his last five games. 

Through two games against Delaware State, the Hawks have only had to utilize three of their pitchers. With a Tuesday midweek game on the horizon, this factor is to UMES' advantage. 

Maryland Eastern Shore's eight-run fourth inning is the highest scoring inning of any frame the Hawks have posted this season.

The Hawks overcame a four run deficit to defeat the Hornets. The Hawks have now come back from a deficit of four or more twice this season. The other comeback was a five run comeback against Towson on February 22, 2025.

WHAT WAS SAID:

"It felt awesome to hit a home run! Hitting that over the fence was huge for me. It also was huge for our team because it helped us to win. Especially when it is a conference win." - First Baseman Diego Aponte on his home run

"STRIKING OUT ALZHEIMER'S"

This past fall, the Hawk baseball team took part in the walk to end Alzheimer's -  an event to raise funds for Alzheimer's and Dementia research and spread awareness for the cause. Over 600 communities around the USA take part in the walk to end Alzheimer's, including right here in the Delmarva region. The event was run by the Alzheimer's Association, which is a group that leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. 

The Alzheimer's Association joined UMES baseball today for the awareness event. Alzheimer's Association "The Longest Day" Initiative Development Manager Nicole Gorski, Alzheimer's Association Development Manager Jeanie Langellotto, and UMES Baseball Head Coach Danny Acosta each came up to the press box to share short speeches to the crowd of what battling against Alzheimer's means to them:

"I want to thank the Alzheimer's Association for being here for us. This is a disease that has struck my family, so this is very important to me and I am thankful to have this event." -Head Coach Danny Acosta

"What I want everyone to walk out of this game with is that if you have a family, loved one, or friend affected by this disease, we are here for you and are here to help through support options that are available 24/7." - Nicole Gorski

Members of the Alzheimer's Association were available throughout the game to answer questions and be a resource to fans in furthering their education on the cause. In addition, each hawk baseball player wore purple (The color for Alzheimer's Awareness) shirts during batting practice to spread awareness in their own way. 

UP NEXT

With this win, the Hawks not only improved to 2-0 in NEC play but also earned their first series win of the season. Maryland Eastern Shore will look to earn their first three-game series sweep against Delaware State since the 2018 season on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex.

FOLLOW ALONG

Keep up with the latest from UMES baseball on UMESHawkSports.com and by following along on X (@UMESHawkBase) and Instagram (@umeshawksbase).