Box Score April 16, 2017 Box Score
NORFOLK, Virginia - Maryland Eastern Shore's hopes to gain ground in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division standings were dashed by the Norfolk State Spartans, who won both games of a doubleheader Saturday to secure a three game sweep. The Spartans won the opener, 11-1 in seven innings, before taking the nightcap 5-3.
The Shore was led by senior Justin Somerville (New Windsor, Maryland) who registered four hits in six at-bats with a run and an RBI, and junior Chris Melrath (Rising Sun, Maryland) and his 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in game two. Freshman Randy Pineda (Hazleton, Pennsylvania) contributed a hit in each game which included a double.
Norfolk State helped keep the Hawks in check thanks to the Mauricio brothers, who earned complete game victories in each contest. Alex surrendered just one unearned run with seven strikeouts in the first game, and Jonathan struck out five against two earned runs. Spartans outfielder Brian Beard earned six hits across seven at-bats.
The Spartans seized control of both contests at the outset, scoring four in the first inning of game one to kick off a 10-0 run until the Hawks scored in the 7th inning. In the finale, Norfolk State scored all five of its runs in the first inning, and then fended off a late Maryland Eastern Shore rally to sweep both the doubleheader and the series.
Maryland Eastern Shore returns home for a midweek contest against Towson. First pitch will commence at 3 p.m. Tuesday. This will be the first matchup between the Hawks and Tigers since 2015, and just the fifth overall. Towson has won all four prior meetings.
For the Tuesday game and a YouTube feed will be available. Admission to all contests at Hawk Stadium is free this season.
