ANDOVER, Mass. | Raphael Rodriguez homered in the first inning, but it wasn't enough as the Norfolk State University baseball team surrendered five unanswered runs in a 5-1 defeat in Northeast Conference (NEC) play on Saturday at Merrimack.
Rodriguez led off the game with a solo homer as Norfolk State (9-34 overall, 6-17 NEC) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Merrimack (17-26, 11-12) answered with two runs in the bottom of the first inning and two more in the third, grabbing a 4-1 lead.
The Warriors added a run in the seventh as the Spartans were unable to mount a rally in the 5-1 loss.
Norfolk State finished with one run on three hits, committed two errors and stranded four on base, while Merrimack registered five runs on 10 hits and left eight on base.
Zac Capps (0-4) took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and struck out three in five innings. Max McCrary worked the final three innings in relief.
Cedric Gillette (5-1) picked up the win in seven innings of work. He gave up one run on three hits, fanned eight and walked three. Michael Dragon pitched the final two innings in relief.
UP NEXT
Norfolk State concludes its series with Merrimack on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m.
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