5:16 p.m., March 28, 2007--The University of Delaware baseball team defeated Delaware State University 7-1 in a game played Wednesday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium.

The Fightin' Blue Hens took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a single by designated hitter Scott Shockley that brought home third baseman Ryan Jablonski, who opened the inning with a single.

Delaware State tied the game 1-1 with a run in the top of the fifth, but the Hens came back for two in the bottom of the inning on an error and a sacrifice fly by Shockley. UD added to the lead in the sixth when second baseman Kyle Davis, who had reached on a double, scored on a single by Jablonski.

The Hens extended the lead to 7-1 in the seventh when shortstop Alex Buchholz led off with a double and scored on a single by first baseman Bill Merkler. Shockley, who reached base after being hit by a pitch, later scored on an error and Merkler came home on a single by Davis.

Jablonski finished the day with four hits, and Davis and Buchholz with three each.

UD pitchers Billy Harris, Brad Miller, Matt Heppner and David Slovak combined to allow just four Delaware State hits.

With the win, the Hens improved to 5-13 on the season. They will take to the road this weekend for a three-game Colonial Athletic Association series at Georgia State University in Atlanta.