ANDOVER, Mass. | Steven Shaffer drove in a pair of runs on Sunday afternoon, but it wasn't enough to overcome a three-run deficit in a 6-2 loss to Merrimack College in Northeast Conference (NEC) play.
Merrimack (18-26 overall, 12-12), which completed a three-game sweep of the Spartans on Sunday, jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.
Norfolk State (9-35, 6-18) got a run back in the top of the fourth inning as Shaffer singled to left, scoring Dominic Joseph, who pinch ran for Manny Jackson, as the Spartans closed the gap to 3-1.
The Warriors picked up a run in the bottom of the frame, pushing the lead to 4-1.
The Spartans cut the deficit to 4-2 in the sixth as Joseph, who led off the inning with a walk, came across on a sacrifice fly to center by Shaffer.
However, Christian Scanlon belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth, giving Merrimack a 6-2 advantage.
The Spartans registered two runs on five hits, committed one error and left eight on base, while the Warriors finished with six runs on six hits and stranded six on base.
Antonio Velasquez (1-6) took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) on four hits, with three and struck out three in four innings. Donovan Whitfield and John Horton pitched the final four innings in relief.
Tyghe Healy (3-4) earned the victory in five innings of work. He gave up two runs on four hits, fanned five and walked three. James Borsari and Jack Collins (second save) pitched in relief.
UP NEXT
The Spartans return home for their final three-game series at Marty L. Miller Baseball Field on Friday as Norfolk State meets Wagner College. First pitch for the series opener on Friday is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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