NCCU Amasses 28 Hits in Doubleheader Sweep of Niagara
DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University amassed 28 hits during a doubleheader sweep (13-10; 10-6) of Niagara University on Saturday inside the Durham Athletic Park.
In game one, NCCU rallied from a six-run deficit by plating six runs in the fourth inning to even the score. The host Eagles tallied six hits in the frame, topped by a two-run home run by senior first baseman Christian Triplett.
Sophomore pitcher Justice Sampson allowed just one hit with three strikeouts in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win, while senior closer Andrew Vernon sealed the 13-10 victory and earned the save by striking out three batters in the ninth inning.
Senior second baseman Trevor Theissen and junior shortstop Thomas Prospero recorded three hits each, while junior third baseman Ellington Hopkins, senior catcher James Dey and Triplett added two hits apiece.
In the nightcap, Niagara opened the game with two runs in the first inning, but NCCU posted three unearned runs to take a lead the home team would not relinquish. The host Eagles scored five runs in the second inning and two more in the third for a 10-2 cushion.
NCCU starting pitcher Christian Gonnelli settled down after the first frame to toss five scoreless innings before surrendering two runs in the seventh and final inning. He finished the outing by allowing four runs on five hits with six strikeouts for the 10-6 victory.
Hopkins, Theissen, Carlos Ortiz, junior right fielder Zachary Marszal and sophomore designated hitter John Ortiz all collected two hits, while Hopkins and Theissen each scored three times.
NCCU (3-3) and Niagara (1-6) conclude the four-game weekend series on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com
Hawks Earn Doubleheader Split Against Saint Peter’s and Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. — Thanks in large part to a burst of offense late in game one, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) baseball team split a doubleheader between two different teams Saturday. The Hawks took the first game over Saint Peter’s, 17-5, before being blanked 15-0 by Richmond in the second game.
Freshman Joseph NiCastro led the hit parade for UMES (3-3) with four hits over two games. Both he and sophomore Jessey Valdez led the Hawks with three RBI’s apiece. Senior Mike Escanilla swiped three bags to bring his season total to five.
On the pitching side, sophomore Toby Hoskins was effective in his second straight start, going six innings and giving up three earned runs with four strikeouts. Junior Jason Marquez picked up his first win as a Hawk in relief.
The series finale will take place in Richmond at 2 p.m. Sunday.
For complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com
Betts and Davis Shine as FAMU Splits with Jackson State
JACKSON, Miss. – Florida A&M (2-2) snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Jackson State (2-2) 15-2 in game two of Saturday’s doubleheader at Bob Braddy Field.
JSU won game one by a score of 4-3. In game two, Brian Davis drove in seven runs while going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Davis belted his first home run of the season in the ninth inning and had a three-run double in the seventh inning. Game 2 starting pitcher Sawyer Betts (2-0) worked eight strong innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) with seven strikeouts and no walks for the win.
The last time FAMU had a player record seven RBI in a game was Brian Braxton against Coppin State on March 27, 2004.
Florida A&M and Jackson State close out the three-game series on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Bob Braddy Field.
For complete story, visit www.famuathletics.com