Fort Peirce, FL (March 15, 2009) - The Utica College baseball team dropped both ends of a double header against Delaware Valley in its season opener Sunday in Fort Peirce, Florida. UC lost game one 18-5 before falling in the nightcap 10-6. Russ Haentges went 4-for-6 at the plate on the day. Sophomore first baseman Adam Bittel totaled five RBIs after posting two doubles and a home run.

In game one, UC led 4-2 after four full innings but they allowed 15 combined runs in the fifth and the sixth innings to fall to 0-1 on the year. The Pioneers pitching staff walked a total of 15 batters and gave up 15 hits in game one.

Bittel hit a two RBI double in the third inning while Russ Haentges went 2-for-3 in game one. Justin Engelhardt scored two runs for UC.

The Pioneers threatened in game two with a combined four runs in the fifth and sixth innings but Delaware Valley seemed to have every answer. Senior left hander Mike Sadallah pitched five strong innings and struck out four batters for UC. Bittel went 2-for-4 at the dish with a home run and a double.

UC (0-2) returns to action Monday when they take on Grinnell College at 8:45 a.m.