NSU Takes Over 1st Place in MEAC North Sweep of UMES

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State baseball team took over sole possession of first place in the MEAC's Northern Division by sweeping a conference doubleheader from Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday afternoon at Marty L. Miller Field, winning the opener 1-0 and taking the nightcap, 7-3.

The Spartans (14-10, 11-3 MEAC) have now won eight games in a row, their longest winning streak since 2012.

In game one, Matt Outman Outman (5-1) and Josh Vales combined to shut out the Hawks on nine hits. In game two, NSU broke a 3-all tie with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the Hawks (11-21, 9-5) away.

Dentathon Dukes went 3-for-4 with a run scored in the opener for the Spartans.

The Spartans again jumped out in front early of UMES in game two, scoring three times in the bottom of the first. Dukes led off with an infield single and advanced to second on a balk. UMES pitcher Tanner Whiteman then threw away Robbie Hiser's sacrifice bunt attempt, allowing Dukes to score. Hiser scored on an RBI single by Hall, and Hall later scored on an RBI grounder by Syeed Mahdi to make it 3-0.

The teams completed their three-game series tomorrow with a noon game at Marty L. Miller Field.

For complete stories, visit www.nsuspartans.com or www.umeshawks.com

Wildcats and Eagles Split Saturday Doubleheader

DURHAM, N.C. – Bethune-Cookman and North Carolina Central split a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader on Saturday at Durham Athletic Park, as the Southern Division leading Wildcats kept their one-game lead intact over NCCU. Bethune-Cookman took the opener, 4-2 behind a brilliant pitching performance from Keith Zuniga. But in the nightcap, it was NCCU using a grand slam as part of a five-run fifth inning to take the contest, 8-4.

GAME ONE RECAP: Bethune-Cookman senior pitcher Keith Zuniga, the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Pitcher of the Year, worked seven innings, allowing just two runs with five strikeouts in the first game of a doubleheader at North Carolina Central on Saturday, helping the Wildcats to a much-needed 4-2 victory over the Eagles.

The Wildcats offense was sparked by Austin Garcia with a 3-for-4 afternoon, scoring once and driving in three, including the home run. Jordan Robinson finished 2-for-4, and teammate Nathan Bond was 2-for-5 with a RBI.

GAME TWO RECAP: North Carolina Central scored four runs in the fifth inning, all of which came off a grand slam from Ronald Thompson, to come from behind for an 8-4 win over Bethune-Cookman in the nightcap of a MEAC doubleheader at Durham Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. The second game was a seven-inning affair per MEAC rules. 

German Hernandez accepted the loss in relief action, giving up four runs on three hits and walking two in just 1.1 innings of action. Freshman Tyler Norris was on the hook for the win in the fourth as he worked 3.2 frames with three runs allowed (two earned), walking four and collecting five strikeouts.

The two teams will meet up for the rubber game tomorrow back at Durham Athletic Park, with the first pitch slated for 1 p.m. Earlier in the year, it was B-CU taking the rubber game of the three-game set in Daytona Beach by an 11-7 decision.

For complete stories, visit www.bcuathletics.com or www.nccueaglepride.com

Coppin splits DH with Delaware State

HANOVER, Md. - Jack Kraft erased an evening of frustration with one sweet-singing swing.

The lefthander got a pitch he liked. Kraft then demolished it by smashing it over the rightfield fence in the bottom of the sixth inning. Kraft's team-leading third homer proved to be the difference in a thrilling 5-4 victory over rival Delaware State in a fiery Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) doubleheader at Joe Cannon Stadium that stretched a little over six hours Saturday night.

The Hornets (7-21 overall, 6-8 MEAC) won the opener, 11-5, but thanks to Kraft's timely blast and the dynamite relief pitching of Chris Estrada, Coppin State (3-24-1, 2-12) has an opportunity to win a series from Delaware State. The Eagles remained four games behind the Hornets. Both teams have 10 conference games left, including four head-to-head battles.

In the opening game, the Eagles couldn't overcome an early deficit despite getting two hits each from Miranda and Fitch. Freshman pitcher Jesse Kraft had a pair of perfect innings on the mound.

Coppin State and Delaware State conclude the weekend series Sunday beginning at 12:00 p.m.

For complete stories, visit www.coppinstatesports.com or www.dsuhornets.com