[May 7, 2008]

By: Houston Taylor

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Second-ranked Delta State closed the door on No. 7 Southern Arkansas’ bid for the 2008 Gulf South Conference championship with an 11-2 win in the semi-finals Wednesday at USA Stadium.

The Statesmen (44-9) used three innings to power past the Muleriders (44-10), plating four runs each in the fifth and ninth frames, and three in the sixth, all coming on 12 hits. DSU overcame three errors and left five stranded on base. SAU was limited to six hits by Delta State starter Kenny Smalley and reliever Marcus Wilson, committed one error, and left eight runners on.

Southern Arkansas struck first on second baseman Cannon Lester’s fourth home run of the season, a solo shot in the third, before the Statesmen rallied in the fifth. The sophomore was most of the Muleriders’ offense in the game, being responsible for both runs as his single in the fifth drove the other one home. Lester’s two hits also led the team.

Smalley kept SAU’s hitters at bay, giving up only Lester’s homer and a double from third baseman James Schroeder for extra bases. He went six innings to improve to 9-2 with the win, surrendering the six hits, both runs, only one earned, and three walks, while striking out four. Wilson pitched three shutout innings the rest of the way for his first save.

Shortstop Devin Goodwin had three hits, including a double, and first baseman Steven Oswald drove in four runs behind two hits, including a solo home run in the fifth, to lead DSU.

Cody Jones (9-2) suffered his second loss of the tourney, going 5 1/3 innings. He gave up eight hits, seven earned runs, and one walk, while fanning two.

Delta State advanced to the championship game, which followed the Southern Arkansas contest, and defeated Montevallo 7-5 to claim the overall GSC crown.

Centerfielder Tyler Maag was the lone Mulerider to make the GSC All-Tournament team, hitting .333 in leading SAU to its 3-2 mark. Maag was 6 for 18 at the plate, including a pair of doubles and home runs, and drove in nine runs.

The Statesmen and Montevallo placed four players each on the team, with Smalley being named the most outstanding player. DSU was also represented by Goodwin, and outfielders Michael Niemann and Hunter Jobes. Catcher Ryan Norman, pitcher Nate Russ, and outfielders Eric Moore and Brantley Clay made up the Falcon contingent. Valdosta State starting pitcher Glen Lemke and Ouachita Baptist catcher Jim Streicher rounded out the team.

Southern Arkansas now waits for the South Central Region tournament and figures to go in as the second seed. The tourney, scheduled for May 15-18, will most likely be hosted by Delta State in Cleveland, Miss.