HANOVER, Md. | Steven Shaffer drove in four runs and collected three hits as the Norfolk State University baseball team could not recover from a four-run fifth inning as Coppin State picked up a xx-xx Northeast Conference (NEC) victory on Friday afternoon at Joe Cannon Stadium.
 
Much like the series opener on Thursday, Norfolk State (9-41 overall, 6-23 NEC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead as Steven Shaffer, who opened the game on an infield hit, came around to score on a ground out by Dionte Brown in the top half of the first inning.
 
Coppin State (20-31, 13-16), which kept its hopes alive for a NEC Baseball Tournament berth, answered in the bottom of the frame with four runs, highlighted by a two-run homer to left by Mike Dorcean, as the Eagles grabbed a 4-1 advantage.
 
NSU scored five runs on six hits in the third to take a 6-4 lead.
 
Tommy Woods opened the inning with a single to right and advanced to second on a Dominic Joseph base hit down the left field line. Shaffer followed with a triple to left center, scoring Woods and Joseph. After Raphael Rodriguez walked, Brown reached on an infield hit, allowing Shaffer to score from third. A ground out by Jacob Council moved the runners over a base. Chance Pollard and Cam Mazell reached on infield singles, scoring Rodriguez and Brown.  
 
Just as explosive as Norfolk State was in the top of the third, Coppin State matched it in the bottom with five runs on three hits, grabbing a 9-6 advantage.
 
The Spartans responded in the top of the fourth as Shaffer belted a two-run homer to close the deficit to 9-8.
 
The Eagles got some breathing room in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring four runs on five hits, while taking advantage of one NSU error in extending the lead to 13-8.
 
Coppin State picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the eight, pushing the margin to 14-8.
 
The Spartans tried to rally in the ninth by picking up one run, but it wasn't enough.
 
Rodriguez and Brow drew back-to-back walks to begin the frame. The runners advanced on a Manny Jackson ground out and Rodriguez scored on a passed ball.
 
The Spartans registered nine runs on 11 hits, committed one error and stranded seven on base, while the Eagles finished with 14 runs on 14 hits and left 10 on base.
 
Zac Capps started on the hill for the Spartans where he gave up five runs on four hits, struck out three and walked three in two innings. Matt Stanley (0-5) took the loss, surrendering four runs on three hits, with three walks and two strikeouts in two innings. Max McCrary pitched the final four innings in relief.
 
Nico Felber (2-3) earned the victory, pitching seven innings. He gave up eight runs on 11 hits, fanned five and walked two. Tyler Nichol worked the final two innings in relief.
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans conclude the season on Saturday at Coppin State. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. from Joe Cannon Stadium.
 
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