NEWARK, Del. (Interstat) — Dylan Bryan struck out seven over 3 1/3 hitless innings of relief to lead Delaware past Western Kentucky 7-3 on Thursday evening at Bob Hannah Stadium. The Blue Hens improved to 18-34, while the Hilltoppers fell to 28-25 in Conference USA play.

Delaware answered Western Kentucky’s three-run first with three runs of their own in the bottom half, tying the game on Matthew Minckler’s sacrifice fly. Sal Mineo’s RBI double put the Blue Hens ahead in the second. Harry Carr drove in two runs, including one on a bunt single in the fifth, as Delaware stretched the lead to 7-3.

Ka’olu Holt took the loss for Western Kentucky, pitching six innings with two earned runs and seven strikeouts. Austin Haller went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Hilltoppers. Delaware’s Nicholas Bilotto allowed five hits and two earned runs in three innings of relief. The Blue Hens grounded into two double plays but matched Western Kentucky with 10 hits each.