TEANECK, N.J. | Ralphael Rodriguez homered in the seventh inning, but it wasn't enough as the Norfolk State University baseball team dropped a one-run game, 6-5, against Fairleigh Dickinson in the Northeast Conference (NEC) series opener on Friday afternoon at the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex.
After a scoreless first inning, Fairleigh Dickinson (22-13-1 overall, 13-6 NEC) broke into the scoring column with a pair of runs in the second, taking a 2-0 advantage.
Norfolk State (8-27, 5-11) responded in the top half of the third inning as Tommy Woods reached on an error and came across to score on a double by Brandon Cleveland, who went 2-for-5, as the Spartans trimmed the deficit to 2-1.
The Knights answered with one run in the bottom of the third and fourth innings, and two more in the fifth, stretching the advantage to 6-1.
The Spartans closed the gap to 6-2 with a run in the top of the sixth.
After a pitching change and with one out, Justin Journette singled to left and moved to second on a walk to Jacob Council. With two down, Cam Mazell singled to right, loading the bases. Steven Shaffer followed with a base hit to left as Journette scored.
Norfolk State continued its rally in the seventh inning.
Dominic Joseph opened the frame with a walk and moved to second on a Cleveland base hit to right. Both runners advanced a base on a balk. Rodriguez, who went 2-for-4, brought everyone home with his third homer of the season as the Spartans pulled to within one run, 6-5.
The Spartans put runners on base in the ninth as Joseph opened the inning with a double to left center and moved to third on a passed ball. After Cleveland struck out, Rodriguez drew a walk to have runners on the corners.
Norfolk State finished with five runs on 11 hits and left eight on base. Fairleigh Dickinson registered six runs on six hits, committed one error and stranded just two on base.
Dalton Barham (1-3), the NEC Pitcher of the Week, got the start for the series opener as he surrendered. Nathan Manzer worked the final two innings in relief.
Jude Baxt (4-1) started on the hill as he allowed one unearned run in 5.1 innings. In addition, he gave up four hits, fanned seven and walked just one. Ian Barrett and Brendan Medoro (second save) pitched in relief.
UP NEXT
Norfolk State continues its three-game series with Game 2 on Saturday against Fairleigh Dickinson. First pitch against the Knights is set for 1 p.m. from the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex.
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