NORFOLK, Va. – Garrett Lawson pitched seven strong innings to help visiting Delaware State top Norfolk State 6-4 on Sunday and win the weekend series between the teams at Marty L. Miller Field.

Tyler Collins hit a two-run home run to give the Hornets (17-21, 12-9) some cushion in the seventh as the Hornets took two two-of-three from NSU (22-17, 15-5) for the second time this season. The loss left the Spartans still one win away from clinching the MEAC's Northern Division regular-season title for the third straight year.

DSU would need Collins' hit, which doubled the Hornets' lead to 6-2. NSU rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth before Hornet closer Darrien Ragins closed the door for his second save of the series.

DSU scored twice in the top of the third thanks to four walks, a hit batter and a wild pitch, and the Hornets would not relinquish the lead. NSU drew within 2-1 on Johnny Mayer's RBI single in the fourth, but the Hornets tacked on two more on RBI singles by Jaylen Zielecki and Darnell Maisonet in the fifth.

The Spartans pulled within 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a run-scoring fielder's choice by Brian Beard. But Collins' two-run homer in the seventh doubled the DSU advantage to 6-2.

The Spartans made it interesting in the ninth. Mayer and pinch hitter Myles Marshall led off with back-to-back singles off Hornet reliever Hunter McVey. Andre' Moore's sacrifice fly brought in Mayer and Leite's single up the middle scored pinch runner Mikey Delgado to bring NSU within 6-4.

Ragins relieved McVey at that point. Troy White greeted him with a single, and after a flyout, Alex Mauricio walked to load the bases. But Ragins got Hall to pop out to end the game.

Lawson (5-4) struck out seven in seven innings. He allowed five hits and two runs while walking three. Quenten Thomas (0-2) took the loss for the Spartans despite not allowing a hit in three innings of work. He gave up two runs with five walks and struck out two batters.

Mayer had a career-high three hits for the Spartans, finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Leite went 2-for-4 for NSU, which outhit the Hornets 9-7.

Collins and Kwestin Smith each batted 2-for-4 for DSU.

NSU plays a non-conference game at Longwood at 6 p.m. Wednesday before closing conference play at Maryland Eastern Shore next Saturday and Sunday.