WILMINGTON, North Carolina - D.J. Long's first homer of the season coming in the top of the ninth was the difference as Delaware edged UNCW, 6-5, to claim the Colonial Athletic Association series on Saturday at Brooks Field.

After seeing the game tied in the bottom of the eighth by the Seahawks, Long slammed a 2-0 offering from losing pitcher Tom Timoney (1-1) over the wall in right center to give UD the lead that it would close out in the ninth.

The Blue Hens won for the sixth time in their last seven outings to improve to 18-13 and 10-4 in the league. The Seahawks, who stranded 12 runners on base and finished 1-for-15 in RBI opportunities, saw their record fall to 15-14 and 6-5.

Corey Crispell (3-2) earned the win despite allowing UNCW to even the game in the eighth. Stephen Richter recorded his sixth save of the season after pitching out of a second and third situation with one out in the ninth.

In the eighth and trailing 5-2, UNCW was able to knot the game by sending eight hitters to the plate. Thomas Pope had a RBI triple in the inning and David Shambley and Jake Koenig added RBI ground outs.

UD starter Dan Gatto didn't figure in the decision despite six shutout innings. Gatto allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out six.

UNCW starter Blaze Tart was making his first collegiate start and allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Steve Ulaky collected three hits for the Blue Hens, who out hit UNCW, 12-10. Logan Gallagher knocked in three runs off the bench.

For the Seahawks, Cameron Cockman had three hits. Matt Campbell extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a first inning single.

The series concludes on Sunday with a 2 p.m. start.