OXFORD, Alabama – Delta State exploded for 11 runs in the third inning and dropped top-seeded Lee into the loser's-bracket of the Gulf South Conference Tournament with a 13-2, seven-inning victory over the Flames on Saturday morning at Choccolocco Park. 

The Flames will be pitted against  Valdosta State  on Sunday at 11 a.m. (EDT). The loss dropped Lee to 33-7. On the year, the red-hot Statesmen are 26-15. 

"We knew we had to minimize freebies (base on balls) and the big innings against Delta. We certainly weren't able to do so. They are swinging the bats well and we just couldn't slow them down in that big third inning," remarked Lee head coach Mark Brew. "We have little time to focus on this loss. We need to focus on playing better and competing at a higher level moving forward. Our guys have found ways to respond all year and I expect them to be ready to do better tomorrow." 

Delta State made the best of eight hits but received nine free passes. The roof started caving in with the contest tied 1-1 going into the third inning. Josh Smeltzer produced the first of three back-to-back doubles. However it was Blayke Dendy who did the big damage. He had a two-base hit that knocked in a run then blasted a grand-slam homer. Dendy finished the game with three runs scored and five RBI. 

The Statesmen had four doubles and a home run before the seven inning affair ended. Jake Barlow joined Donovon Shows with two doubles and a single. Chad Ragland got into the act with a two-base knock and also plated three runs.  

The Statesmen used Christian Day (7-2) for the entire seven innings. He allowed six hits and walked a pair. Ryan Beamish put the Flames on the board in the second inning with his 20^th home run of the year. Lee's only other run came in the sixth inning when Brew had inserted several reserves. Adam Goolsby took advantage of the opportunity with a double down the right field line, and scored on a one-base-knock by Luke Hughes. Alan Smith also doubled while Thomas Zazzaro and Jared Demkowicz had the Flames' other hits. 

Seth Konkel (5-2) started and worked 2.1 innings. Chandler Ring followed before Cole Matthaidess and Alex Butler took their turn on the bump.