Norfolk State Uses Long Ball to Hold Off NCCU
DURHAM, N.C. – Norfolk State University scored the first eight runs of the game and appeared to be on its way to an easy victory over North Carolina Central University on Wednesday evening inside Durham Athletic Park.
However, the host Eagles stormed back to pull to within one run of the Spartans at the end of seven innings of play. But Norfolk State senior designated hitter Kyle Vaas hit a towering three-run home run over the right field wall in the top of the eighth, his second three-RBI blast of the day, to lift the visitors to a 13-9 win over NCCU.
Vaas finished with three hits and seven RBI, while Roger Hall added two hits with a double and three runs scored for the Spartans. Justin Lee and Syeed Mahdi also hit home runs for NSU (4-8).
NCCU (7-7) was topped by senior James Dey, who had a single, a double and a run scored at the plate, while also striking out six batters in 3.1 innings of relief.
Senior first baseman Christian Triplett tallied two hits with a double and two RBI, while Thomas Prospero and Jacobi Harris also contributed a pair of hits each.
Chase Anderson took the mound in the fifth inning for Norfolk State to pick up the victory. NCCU starting pitcher Landon Fraley took the loss, surrendering seven runs (five earned) on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work.
NCCU opens MEAC play on Saturday, March 12 with a doubleheader at rival North Carolina A&T State in Greensboro. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com or www.nsuspartans.com
Wildcats’ Offense Soars Past Central Florida
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman concluded its seven-game homestand Wednesday evening, taking apart visiting UCF by a score of 17-3 in non-conference baseball action inside Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida.
B-CU fifth-year head coach Jason Beverlin turned to Cleveland native Donté Lindsay on the bump Wednesday evening, and he did not disappoint in producing five solid inning for his first quality start of the 2016 campaign – the second of his career.
In earning his first win of the season, Lindsay (1-1) worked five innings, allowing just the two runs in the first inning on five hits total, walking five and striking out four batters. Zach Olszewski worked two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out two Knights. And it was Tyler Krull combining with Charles Eytel to finish the game in the eighth and ninth, respectively.
The loss went to Juan Pimentel who fell to 0-2 on the year. He went just 2.2 innings, and was tagged for six runs on seven hits and walking a batter.
Jameel Edney led all hitters on the night with a 4-for-5 output at the dish, scoring four runs and driving in a pair. Michael Cruz, Danny Rodriguez and Clay Middleton all accounted for three hits apiece, while it was Middleton and Rodriguez picking up three RBI each. Heron finished 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored.
Bethune-Cookman opens Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play this weekend, as the Wildcats travel to Florida A&M for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 12. First pitch in game one is scheduled for 1 p.m., at Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida.
For complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com
Hawks Drop Midweek Contest to Midshipmen
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Based largely on the excellent pitching and consistent offensive efforts of their opponents, the Hawks baseball team dropped its midweek game to Navy by a final of 11-2. The defeat drops Maryland Eastern Shore to 4-8 on the season, its fourth loss in five tries.
Sophomore Jamison Trower, junior Dallas Culotta and senior Connor Breslin each collected a base hit, and senior Mike Escanilla contributed the team’s lone RBI on a fielder’s choice.
On the mound, freshman Tom Summers went three innings in his first collegiate start, surrendering three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.
Navy got an efficient start from Colin Brady, who pitched six innings of two run ball. On offense, the Mids’ leader in batting average, Robert Currie, collected three hits, drove in two and scored twice himself.
Maryland Eastern Shore returns to the diamond this Friday in Lexington, Virginia when the Hawks challenge Virginia Military Institute in the first of a three game series.
For complete story, visit www.umeshawks.com