NEW BRITAIN, Conn. | The Norfolk State University baseball team fought hard in a Northeast Conference (NEC) doubleheader loss on Friday, falling 8-4 and 6-0 to Central Connecticut State at the CCSU Baseball Field.
 
In the opener, Central Connecticut State (11-3 overall, 8-0 NEC) plated a run in the bottom of the first and second innings to grab a 2-0 lead.
 
Norfolk State (3-17 overall, 1-4 NEC) got into the scoring column in the top of the third inning as Dionte Brown, who went 2-for-3, doubled down the left field line and stole third with one out. Brandon Cleveland brought Brown home with a base hit down the field line, closing the CCSU advantage to 2-1.
 
The Blue Devils picked up a run in the bottom of the third and broke the game open with a grand slam in the fourth to take a 7-1 lead.
 
CCSU loaded the bases in the seventh and came away with just one run, pushing the lead to 8-1.
 
The Spartans closed the gap to 8-4 in the eighth as Steven Shaffer began the frame with a single to left and moved to second when Malcolm Perry reached on a one-out error. Raphael Rodriguez, who went 3-for-4, followed with a single to right and came all around the bases when the right fielder committed an error, allowing Shaffer and Perry to score on the play.  
 
Dalton Barham (0-2) started for the Spartans, surrendered seven runs on six hits, walked six and struck out four in 3.1 innings. Antonio Velasquez, John Horton and Noah Wiggins saw action in relief.
 
Dominic Niman (4-0) was masterful in eight innings to earn the victory. He gave up four runs (earned) on nine hits, fanned six and walked one. Luke Garofalo pitched the ninth in relief.
 
Norfolk State finished with four runs on 10 hits and left five on base, while Central Connecticut State recorded eight runs on nine hits, committed a pair of errors and stranded 11 on base.
 
In the second game, Central Connecticut State took advantage of an error in the first inning and registered three hits to grab a 3-0 lead.
 
The Blue Devils extended the advantage to 5-0 with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the third inning.
 
Central Connecticut State got a solo homer by Brady Short in the eighth inning as the Blue Devils took a 6-0 lead into the final inning.
 
Norfolk State finished with four hits, two errors and left six on base, while Central Connecticut State registered six runs on 13 hits, committed one error and stranded 10 on base.
 
Zac Capps (0-2) pitched seven innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on 12 hits, while striking out five to take the loss. Noah Wiggins worked one inning in relief.
 
TJ Wainwright (2-0) started for the Blue Devils, scattering just four hits over five innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. Randy Reyes and Vincent Spizzoucco worked the final two innings out of the bullpen.
 
UP NEXT       
The Spartans will conclude their three-game NEC series on Saturday as first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the CCSU Baseball Field.
 
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