ROME, Ga. – The Shorter Hawks took the field this afternoon for the home opener in conference play against Delta State. Coach Wes Timmons takes the helm entering his seventh season as the Hawks head coach. To lead the Hawks' charge was Jonathan Pintaro taking the mound, going head to head with the Delta State ace Hunter Riggins.

What started out looking to be a pitcher's duel between the two arms was broken open by the Hawks in the third inning. The Hawks found two runs in the inning, including an RBI double from Kaleeq Brannigan. The pitching duel continued between Pintaro and Riggins until Riggins was pulled after six innings. Riggins left the game with earning 11 strikeouts and only giving up one earned run.

Pintaro was not going to be beaten today, battling he was out of two jams to hold off the power-hitting lineup of Delta State. This led to the Hawks being able to grow their lead in the seventh inning, adding another run to take the lead 3-0. Pintaro ended up throwing a complete game shutout against Delta State, earning his and the Hawk's first win of the season. He led the Hawks with nine strikeouts and only giving up two hits.

Coach Wes Timmons and the Hawks return to action tomorrow at home for a doubleheader against Delta State. The Hawks look to improve on their 1-0 record, behind Taylor Boisclair and Ryan Parker.