Norfolk State Cruises Past Coppin State
NORFOLK, Va. - Matt Outman threw six shutout innings and Denathan Dukes went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI to lead Norfolk State to a 10-0, seven-inning win over Coppin State on Saturday night at Marty L. Miller Field.
After Saturday, the Spartans (21-13, 17-5 MEAC North) have officially clinched their first-ever MEAC Northern Division regular-season title. Second-place UMES lost earlier in the day to Delaware State to clinch that feat before NSU took the diamond Saturday night. Still, the Spartans were on top of their game, with Outman (7-2) cruising through six innings with nine strikeouts and the offense collecting 13 hits to win by the 10-run rule.
Cooper Jones pitched a scoreless seventh for NSU.
Roger Hall finished 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI for the Spartans, while Ryan Kilmon went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Mikey Bruno finished 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
The teams play their final MEAC regular-season games tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.
For complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com or www.coppinstatesports.com
Rattlers fall, 6-5, to Aggies in Ninth Inning Walk-Off Single
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Florida A&M (17-23, 13-9 MEAC) gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to fall 6-5 to North Carolina A&T (9-34, 6-15 MEAC) on Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.
The Aggies recorded four straight hits to start the ninth inning without an out for the win. FAMU pounded out a season-high six doubles and a season-high 13 hits against a MEAC opponent in the loss. AJ Elkins was 4-for-5 at the plate with a double, RBI and a run scored, while Brian Davis had his best day as a Rattler as he was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
The FAMU bullpen had been strong all day as they held NC A&T scoreless over the sixth through eighth innings. Relievers Brandon Fleming and Marcus Roberts combined to allow just one hit with four strikeouts in the three innings.
Ryan Kennedy also had a strong offensive performance, as he was 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored, an RBI and was walked twice.
Rattler reliever Kenny McDonald (3-2) suffered the loss after allowing two runs on four straight hits to start the bottom of the ninth inning. Starter Chase Jarrell pitched five innings and allowed four runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
NC A&T reliever Jason Gifford (1-1) picked up his first win of the season after holding FAMU scoreless in the top of the ninth inning. Gifford didn’t allow a hit and had one strikeout in his only inning of work. Aggie starter Brian Poag allowed five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of work with four strikeouts and two walks.
Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T will wrap up the three-game series on Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.
For complete story, visit www.famuathletics.com or www.ncataggies.com
Candeloro complete game helps Hornets earn split in twin bill
DOVER, Del. --- Zach Candeloro tossed a five-hit complete game to lead Delaware State to a 5-1 win over UMES in game two to help the Hornets earn a split in a MEAC doubleheader at Soldier Field.
The Hawks won the opener 9-3 to secure the No. 2 North seed in the upcoming MEAC Tournament.
Candeloro (1-0) struck out a career-high seven and walked just one in his first career complete game. He was two outs away from a shutout when Greg Turlik smacked a solo homer to right field to get the Hawks on the board. Candeloro struck out at least one batter in each inning but the sixth.
Chris Gonzalez had a homer and three runs batted in, and Jaylen Zielecki smacked a solo shot to provide the offense in support of Candeloro’s gem.
Hawk starter Tanner Whiteman (3-5) was the losing pitcher.
In game one, UMES scored five runs in the last two innings to break open a close game. The Hornets were plagued by six errors in the opener. The Hawks led 4-3 before scoring four runs in the eighth inning and one in the ninth.
Mike Escanilla, Joshua James and Turlik drove in two runs each for the Hawks in the opener.
Gonzalez led the Hornets with two hits in game one.
UMES starter Jesse Stinnett (6-5) was the winning pitcher, while Hornet starter Lane DeLeon (4-5) took the loss.
The teams will wrap up the series with a single game on Sunday at noon in the regular season finale for the Hornets. DSU will honor seniors Candeloro, Allen, Kimbrough, Bobby Brown and Charles Dailey prior to the contest.
For complete story, visit www.dsuhornets.com or www.umeshawks.com