BOX SCORE (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Led by an impressive 12-strikeout performance by left-handed pitcher JP Sears, The Citadel baseball team earned its first victory of the season by a 4-0 score over Delaware State on Friday at Joe Riley Park.

Sears threw seven shutout innings, with no walks while allowing just five hits. The junior was painting the corners all night, with nine called strikeouts against Hornet hitters. The junior recorded his fifth career double-digit strikeout game, tying his second highest single-game total.

The pitching staff finished with a combined 16 strikeouts as relievers Marlin Morris and Aaron Lesiak each struck out two.

The Bulldogs (1-3) opened the scoring in the first inning as Jonathan Sabo knocked home Clay Martin on a double. Sabo and Martin each finished with two hits and an RBI, as did catcher Bryce Leasure. First baseman Ben Peden drove in his team-leading fifth RBI with a double off the wall in the sixth.

Lane DeLeon pitched well for Delaware State (1-4), but allowed two runs in the sixth inning before the Hornets turned to the bullpen.

The Citadel continues their series against Delaware State on Saturday at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available for the game.

Scoring Summary
Bottom 1st – The Citadel 1, Delaware State 0: Clay Martin scored on a double down the left field line by Jonathan Sabo with no outs.
Bottom 5th – The Citadel 2, Delaware State 0: Taylor Cothran scored on a single to left by Clay Martin with two outs.
Bottom 6th – The Citadel 3, Delaware State 0: William Kinney scored on a double to left center field by Ben Peden with no outs.
Bottom 6th – The Citadel 4, Delaware State 0: Ben Peden scored on a single to center field by Bryce Leasure with one out.

For more information on The Citadel baseball follow @CitadelBaseball or visit CitadelSports.com.