NEWARK (Interstat) — Gavin Perry threw six no-hit innings and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers scored three runs in the first inning Friday to beat the Delaware Blue Hens 3-0 at Bob Hannah Stadium.

Perry, who tossed a seven-inning shutout against Middle Tennessee on May 2, returned to form after a rough outing against Dallas Baptist. He struck out four, walked none and allowed zero hits over six frames. Three relievers combined to complete the shutout: Dawson Hall worked 1 2/3 innings with four strikeouts, Mick Uebelhor retired four batters with two strikeouts and the bullpen held Delaware to six hits overall.

Western Kentucky’s offense struck quickly against Delaware starter Doug Marose. Austin Haller walked to lead off the game, advanced on a fielder’s choice and reached second on an error by second baseman Cole Carbone. Lane Arroyos then doubled to right-center, driving in Haller and Reid Howard for a 2-0 lead. Arroyos’ hit, which would stand as the decisive blow, was part of a 2-for-3 day with two RBIs.

The Hilltoppers added an unearned run in the third inning. Howard singled, stole second, moved to third on Arroyos’ single and scored when Cason Ross grounded into a double play. Marose settled in after that, allowing seven hits and two earned runs over seven innings with four strikeouts, but Delaware’s offense could not solve Perry or the relievers.

Delaware’s best scoring chance came in the seventh inning. Anthony DeCesare doubled to lead off against Hall, advanced to third on a wild pitch, but Hall struck out Matthew Minckler and got Harry Carr to ground out. The Blue Hens stranded two runners in the eighth after Sal Mineo singled, but Uebelhor struck out Evan Bouldin to end the threat. In the ninth, Minckler singled with two outs, but Carr flied out to right field to end the game.

Austin Haller went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk for Western Kentucky. DeCesare had two hits for Delaware, including a double, and Bouldin also doubled. The Hilltoppers finished with nine hits, while the Blue Hens managed six.

Friday’s win evened the series after Delaware won the opener 7-3 on Thursday. Western Kentucky improved to 29-25 overall, while Delaware fell to 18-35.

Perry’s performance marked a sharp turnaround from his previous start May 9, when he allowed five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings against Dallas Baptist. He matched his May 2 effort, when he threw a seven-inning shutout at Middle Tennessee with six strikeouts.

Western Kentucky entered the game having lost four of its last five, including the series opener. The Hilltoppers had won 11-0 at Middle Tennessee on May 2 but dropped the next day’s contest 9-8. Delaware, meanwhile, had lost eight of its last 10 before Thursday’s victory.

The Interstat game simulator projected a 6-5 Western Kentucky win, and the ELO system gave the Hilltoppers a 66.20 percent probability of victory.