ELON, N.C. - The offensive play of Kelly Williams and Bret Underwood was too much for the Phoenix to handle in its home opener on Saturday afternoon at Latham Park as Delaware State defeated Elon 6-3.
Delaware State opened the scoring in the top of the first inning after the Phoenix committed three errors. Williams reached first base on an infield error before advancing to third on a Underwood single to center field. On an overthrow to second as Underwood attempted to steal, Williams reached home to lead the game 1-0.
Elon responded in the bottom of the first. Grant Rembert reached first base after being hit by a pitch before Chris Price knocked a home run, giving Elon the lead 2-1.
In the top of the third, it was again Williams and Underwood doing the scoring for the Hornets. Williams reached second on a hit to center field before Underwood drove him in with a single up the middle to tie the game.
Elon again had an answer. This time it was Rembert that launched one over the left field wall to take the lead 3-2.
The fifth inning was detrimental for the Phoenix. Pitcher Matt Chastain walked two of his first three batters putting runners on first and second before Matt Folke hit a single up the left side to score Williams. With the game tied at three, Coach Mike Kennedy made a pitching change, bringing in Chris DeFago. Brandon Gravely drove a base hit to right field, loading the bases before Justin Wenger doubled down the left field line driving in three runs. The Hornets took the lead 6-3.
Elon tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth inning. Rembert started the inning with a base hit to short stop. Price walked behind him. After Delaware State made a pitching change, Evan Erickson reached on a fielder's choice to put runners at first and third before the Hornets turned a double play to end the game.
For Delaware State, Shawn Phillips (1-1) gets the win after pitching 8.0 innings and giving up four hits and three runs, while Nick Bitter notches a save. Chastain suffers the loss for Elon after throwing 4.1 innings and giving up three hits and five runs.
Elon and Delaware State face off again tomorrow in a 1:30 p.m. game at Latham Park.
--ELON-- Game Box Score
