NORFOLK, Virginia — Dillon Oxyer (Pasadena, Maryland) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore offense was in rhythm Sunday (April 14). But pitching and defense struggled as the Hawks were swept by the Norfolk State Spartans in a 12-8 final.

Oxyer led the charge by going 3-for-5 at the dish with two runs and an RBI. His first run was a steal of home to put The Shore on the board in the first inning. He then singled home Tyler Woodward (Gaithersburg, Maryland) in the sixth and scored off an error in the eighth.

Brian Cordell (Pasadena, Maryland) and Brantley Cutler (Washington, North Carolina) also had multi-hit games for the Hawks. Each player tabbed a run as well.

The Hawks' biggest inning was the sixth. Trailing 9-3, Joey Nicastro (New Market, Maryland) started the rally with a single to score Cutler. Oxyer's RBI single came next, followed by a sacrifice fly from Carson Davis (Oakboro, North Carolina). Cordell came in on a wild pitch to close the gap from six to two.

The error that scored Oxyer in the eighth made the game 9-8 Spartans, but the rally would go no further. Norfolk State would add three insurance runs in the bottom half, securing the sweep. Their win was bolstered by 10 earned runs surrendered by Eastern Shore pitchers and four defensive miscues in the field.

With the defeat, Maryland Eastern Shore falls to 9-30 (3-12 MEAC) on the season. They'll return to the diamond Wednesday (April 17) at UMBC.