Box Score

NORFOLK, Va.  -- The Spartans took advantage of a few Hawk errors to slowly build up a 5-0 lead against UMES Sunday. Undaunted, the visiting Hawks mounted a strong rally before finally falling to the hometown team by a 5-3 score. Norfolk State swept UMES to give them a three-game lead in the MEAC North. The Hawks remain in second place with a 9-6 MEAC record.

Four errors and a miscue by UMES led to runs in each of the first three innings. A throwing error on a pickoff attempt led to a sacrifice fly in the first, Syeed Madhi reached on a fielding error and advanced home on an outfielders' error in the second, and a passed ball allowed a third Spartan run in the third. The fourth error allowed a runner who reached safely to advance--he would eventually score.

Despite the 4-0 deficit, senior starter Jordan Bone (Pittston, Pa.) was effective in his seventh start of the season. Over five innings he scattered six hits and two walks while striking out one batter. Due to the errors, none of the runs that scored were charged to Bone.

Norfolk State added a run in the seventh on a double by Angel Rosario that scored Robbie Hiser to increase their lead to 5-0.

However, in the ninth inning, UMES made a bold comeback attempt to try and ward off the series sweep. Junior Mike Escanilla (Waldorf, Md.) singled to lead off the inning, ousting starter Stephen Butt from the game. Cooper Jones succeeded him to the mound, and immediately, senior Joshua James (Milford, Del.) followed with a base hit of his own. Sophomore Justin Dattilo (Pittsburgh, Pa.) whacked a double that scored both runners. Suddenly, the Hawks had life.

Unfortunately Norfolk State induced two ground ball outs. That did allow Dattilo to score but the Hawks had two out and no one out. The next batter struck out, thus ending the game.

The Hawks will play eight of the next nine Hawks in Princess Anne, beginning Wednesday at 3:00p.m. with a non-conference matchup with George Washington and continuing next weekend with a three game set versus Delaware State.