Tigers Overshadow Vernon’s Big Day for North Carolina Central
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University senior starter Andrew Vernon tossed 11 strikeouts for the Eagles, but Savannah State University was able to hold off a late rally from the Eagles to win 4-2 on Saturday at the Durham Athletic Park.
Those 11 strikeouts for Vernon is the most for any Eagle since Glenn Frye recorded 11 against NJIT on Feb. 17, 2013.
Vernon stayed on the mound for six complete innings for NCCU (12-13, 5-4 MEAC) and didn’t pick up an earned run, but SSU (7-18, 2-4 MEAC) was able to scratch across three runs during his outing.
Of the four runs scored for the Tigers, two were scored on RBI doubles from Khalyd Cox and Jonathan Moore and the other two came in on passed balls.
Vernon wasn’t the only pitcher with a strong start, Austin Robinson didn’t give up a hit until the fifth inning when Zachary Marszal led off with a double.
With the win, SSU was able to prevent NCCU from completing the sweep so the Eagles will visit reigning Southern Division champion Florida A&M University even in the win column at five apiece. Before heading to Tallahassee, NCCU will finish its eight-game home stand on Tuesday, March 29 against High Point University at 6:00 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com or www.ssuathletics.com
Wildcats Split Doubleheader, Win Series Against N.C. A&T State
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Three Wildcats delivered home runs on Saturday, helping power Bethune-Cookman to a doubleheader split and series victory over visiting North Carolina A&T State in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball action inside Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
North Carolina A&T State collected the opening game, 14-10, before Bethune-Cookman bounced back in the nightcap, 4-2.
In the opener, North Carolina A&T poured on nine runs over the last four innings, erasing an 8-5 deficit and giving the Aggies a 14-10 win against Bethune-Cookman in the first of two games Saturday at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
In the second contest, junior catcher Michael Cruz homered, and Alex Seibold registered a complete-game performance on the hill, helping homestanding Bethune-Cookman collect a 4-2 series winning victory over North Carolina A&T in the second game of a doubleheader on Saturday inside Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
In going the entire way on the hill, Seibold picked up his first win of the year in improving to 1-3 on the year. The Lauderhill, Florida native allowed just two runs on 10 hits, picking up seven strikeouts against zero (0) walks. The Wildcats defense helped the tall right-hander out as well, turning five double plays in the game.
The loss went to N.C. A&T starter Kaeson Wilson, dropping him to 1-5 on the campaign, as he worked six innings, giving up three runs on four hits, adding two walks and two strikeouts.
Bethune-Cookman returns home to Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Tuesday, March 29, when the Wildcats host FIU at 4 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com or www.ncataggies.com
Spartans Rout UMES, Then Rally in Game 2 for Series Sweep
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The Norfolk State baseball team posted season highs in hits and runs scored in taking the opener from Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday, then rallied from a four-run deficit to force extra innings and eventually win game two to complete a three-game sweep of the Hawks on Saturday at Hawk Stadium.
The Spartans won game one, 20-7, in a contest that was stopped after eight innings due to the 10-run rule. In the seven-inning nightcap, the Spartans rallied to win 7-6 in eight innings to improve to 9-12 overall, 3-2 in the MEAC North.
In the opener, NSU rapped out a season-high 21 hits to plate 20 runs, their largest total of the year. Seven of the hits went for extra bases, including a solo homer by Kyle Vaas and a three-run home run by Robbie Depp. Brian Beard had a season-best four hits to pace eight Spartans with had at least two hits.
Left hander Devin Hemmerich (1-3) picked up his first win of the season. He allowed five runs but just two earned over six innings of work. He walked none and struck out eight. Michael Parmentier pitched the final two innings with three strikeouts.
In the nightcap, Alex Mauricio earned his first career pitching victory with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief. He also went 2-for-5 with the two-run homer in game two, giving him four hits and four RBI in the doubleheader. Beard, Vaas and Herrera also had two hits in the nightcap.
Beard went 6-for-11 on the afternoon, with Vaas joining Mauricio with four this apiece. Angelo Rosario, Roger Hall and Justin Lee had three hits each.
The Spartans play a 5 p.m. game at Longwood on Tuesday.
For complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com or www.umeshawks.com