For Immediate Release
March 18, 2022

SALISBURY, Md. – Host Maryland Eastern Shore scored eight unanswered runs in the fourth through seventh innings to pull away for a 10-3 win over Norfolk State in the MEAC baseball opener for both on Friday afternoon at Perdue Stadium.

Both teams notched six hits, but the Hawks (2-11, 1-0) took advantage of seven walks and five NSU (3-11, 0-1) errors to come away with the win.

The Spartans scored twice in their first time at bat. Steven Shaffer hit an RBI triple and scored on Tanner Brandon's run-scoring groundout to give NSU a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first.

The Hawks tied it a short time later. Three NSU walks, a hit batter and two passed balls allowed a pair of Hawk runs to score in the bottom of the first.

The game remained 2-2 until the fourth. Two more walks and a bunt single loaded the bases and set the stage for a three-run UMES inning. Two runs scored on a Dillon Oxyer double to highlight the frame for UMES.

The Hawks added single runs in the fifth and sixth off a combined one hit, and scored three more in the seventh thanks in part to three Spartan miscues.

NSU scored its final run in the eighth. Dionte Brown single, advanced to third on a double by Shaffer and scored on a wild pitch for the Spartans' first run since the first inning.

Evan Niblett allowed five hits and three runs in eight innings for the win for the Hawks. Nolan Manzer (2-1) surrendered five earned runs in four-plus innings to take the loss.

Shaffer went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI to lead NSU offensively.

The same two teams play a doubleheader beginning at noon on Saturday.