WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team played their final non-conference matchup earlier this afternoon against the Statesmen of Delta State University. The Sailfish dropped a tight one 7-5.

Mike Entenza would get the start for this matchup against Delta State. He would finish the day with five innings pitched, six hits, five earned, one walk and four strikeouts.

The game was tightly contested in the early innings. Blake Ebo led off for the Sailfish and launched a solo home run out to right center field. Dylan Tosto produced a sacrifice fly that brought Sean Houck in to score in the second inning. Delta State would answer with runs of their own in the second and third innings after two sacrifice fly balls sent runners in to score. After some walks and hit-by-pitches from the Statesmen bullpen, the 'Fish would have a one run lead at 3-2 after 5 innings.
 
DSU would erupt and take over the game in the sixth inning. A three-run homer immediately followed up by a solo homerun from the Statesman gave them a 6-3 lead. An RBI single increased their lead to 7-3 over PBA in the seventh inning.
 
The 'Fish would make an attempt at a comeback effort in the eighth inning. Nate Housen reached second base on an error and Jake Roper launched a home run to right field to cut the lead down to two. The Sailfish were unable to build any more momentum after that, as the DSU relief pitchers prevented them from doing any more damage.
 
PBA will begin Sunshine State Conference play on Feb. 18-19 when they host Lynn at J.M. "Jake" Rubin park. The Sailfish will look to get a good start to their conference schedule.