SUMMARY

NEWARK, Del. - Although the Hawks held a two-run lead into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Delaware Blue Hens hit another gear in the fifth and sixth inning en route to defeating the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 24-6, at Bob Hannah Stadium.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 6

Delaware Blue Hens - 24

HOW IT HAPPENED

On a warm, clear evening in Newark, Delaware, the hosting Blue Hens got on the board first with a three-run second inning. Maryland Eastern Shore responded to the early onslaught of runs by plating four in the top of the third inning. After Luka Gilliam and Ansel Carson got on base, Jonathan Gonzalez Perez drove a single to center field, driving in Gilliam for the first run of the day for the Maroon and Grey. Later in the inning, Ryan Howe came up with one of his best swings this season. With two runners aboard, the power-hitting designated hitter hammered a pitch over the left center field wall for a three-run home run to give the Hawks their first lead of the game, 4-3.

After a game-tying homer by Delaware in the fourth inning, Maryland Eastern Shore continued to stay hot on offense in the fifth inning. Following a lead off double by Gonzalez, Diego Aponte smashed an RBI double off the left field wall to drive in his teammate. Lastly, Jason Brown drew a bases loaded walk to drive in Aponte, building a solid two-run lead for the Hawks going into the bottom of the fifth frame, 6-4.

Unfortunately for UMES, Delaware's bats hit a second gear in the fifth and sixth innings that Maryland Eastern Shore had no answer for. The Blue Hens plated 10 runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to turn a competitive game into a decisive victory that left no doubt.

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks recorded six runs on eight hits and two errors while the Blue Hens amassed 24 runs on 20 hits and no errors.

Jonathan Gonzalez Perez (2-for-4, RBI) and Christian Azcona (2-for-4) each registered multi-hit games.

Ryan Howe recorded his second home run of the season. In addition, the graduate student designated hitter also tied his season-high for RBI in a game with three.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Hawks fall to 4-36 (3-21) on the season. UMES resumes conference play on Friday against Fairleigh Dickinson University at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

FOLLOW ALONG

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