SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University baseball team continued its hot start to the season on Sunday afternoon when it defeated Stevens Institute of Technology at Sea Gull Baseball Stadium, 9-1.

The Sea Gulls (3-0) conceded the first run of the day to the Ducks (0-1) in the top of the first inning. Following a one-out walk to Donny Gherardi, Thomas Paulich drilled a double into the right center field gap that stayed in the outfield long enough to bring Gherardi all the way around from first base.

Salisbury evened the game at one apiece in the bottom of the second inning. With Jack Decker on second and two away, Tyler Mayo delivered a sharp single through the right side of the infield. Decker turned on the jets and was able to beat the throw at home plate to score the run.

The maroon and gold took the lead in the fifth inning courtesy of Jack Barry. With runners on first and second and one away, Barry smacked a double down the left field line, bringing both base runners home to go up 3-1.

Salisbury added three more runs in the seventh inning. Brad Haas doubled to right field with one out in the frame to score Barry from second base. Mayo then drove in two more runs two at-bats later on a single up the middle for the 6-1 lead.

The Sea Gulls weren't done scoring, however, driving in another three runs in the eighth inning. With one out, Brandon Bonesteel was able to advance home on a fielding error by the Ducks' first baseman. A pinch hit by Nate Yoder two at-bats later resulted in a two-run triple to right field to go up 9-1.

Following the first inning run, the Ducks never had an answer for Salisbury starting pitcher Clayton Dwyer, who was able to settle in and deliver a dominating seven full innings, including 11 strikeouts while surrendering only four hits and two walks.

The team returns to action next Saturday, February 23 when it hosts No. 8 State University of New York at Cortland in day one of a two-game weekend series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.