A day after pounding out 12 runs on 13 hits in route to a
run-rule victory against the Hornets, FAMU managed just four runs on five hits
in the contest.
The Rattlers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first
when Dallas Oliver worked a leadoff walk and Garrett Wilkinson singled through
the right side before Aubrey McCarty plated Oliver from third with a fielder's
choice.
Kodi Russ put the Rattlers back in front in the top of the
second with a solo home run to left field.
Delaware State strung together six hits in the game-deciding
fourth inning and scored five runs with two outs to take a 6-2 lead.
The Hornets extended their lead to 7-2 in the bottom of the
fifth inning after a leadoff walk came around to score on an RBI single by Evan
Regez.
McCarty trimmed the deficit to 7-4 in the top of the seventh
with a two-out, two-run single to center field after the Rattlers loaded the
bases with three walks.
That proved to be the final, as Florida A&M was held
scoreless over the final two innings.
Hunter Fillingim pitched well in relief for the Rattlers,
allowing no runs with a career high seven strikeouts through 3.2 innings.
JoJo Durden (2-7) took the loss for FAMU after allowing six
runs on eight hits through 4.0 innings.
Dallas Oliver extended his hitting streak to 21 games on the
night after going 1-for-2 with three walks and two runs scored.
Garrett Lawson (6-4) picked up the win for Delaware State
after striking out a season-best nine batters and allowing four runs through
6.2 innings, while Darrien Ragins picked up his MEAC-best 11th save of the
season after pitching a scoreless ninth.