CLEVELAND, Miss. (AP) – Craig Newton keyed a 10-run third inningwith a three-run homer to lead defending national champion DeltaState to an 18-4 victory over West Alabama on Thursday night intheir NCAA Division II South Central Regional opener.

Newton, a finalist for the ”Boo” Ferriss Trophy as the topcollege baseball player in Mississippi, finished with four RBIs forthe Statesmen (49-8), who will play Abilene Christian (42-15) at 3p.m. Friday in the second round.

Bert Pickard had a two-run single in Delta State’s five-runfirst inning, and the Statesmen made it 15-0 with their productivethird.

Bryan Williamson also homered for Delta State, and Rusty Raybornpitched five innings for the victory.

Tucker Bullard and Bryan Williamson each had three RBIs forDelta State.

Dustin Roberts and Jonathan Lindsey each homered for WestAlabama (45-18).

Delta State is playing host to the South Central Regional forthe fourth straight year.