NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State dropped both matchups of a home doubleheader against Manhattan College on Saturday afternoon. at Marty L. Miller Field The Jaspers heated up as the day went on, picking up victories by scores of 5-2 and 14-1.
 
After a scoreless first inning, Manhattan got on the scoreboard in the second. The run came from a stolen base at third, advancing home on a throwing error. Manhattan added runs in the fourth and fifth innings as well, taking a 3-0 lead.
 
Norfolk State's strong defensive showing slowed the damage, recording two pivotal double plays. One came with bases loaded to get out of an inning (5-2-3), before Swaroop Pajari closed out another threat with an acrobatic play at second before throwing to first a few innings later.
 
NSU needed a boost, and the Spartans got it in the sixth. After Jalan Jones and Jamal Ritter made their way onto the basepaths, Manny Jackson ripped a double down the right field line to bring both players across home plate.
 
The key-at bat cut the deficit to one, but a Manhattan insurance run in the eighth and another in the ninth helped the Jaspers close out game one.
 
Manhattan clicked on all cylinders in the second game of the afternoon, scoring seven runs in the opening inning to set the tone. The Spartans got one back in the second from an RBI sacrifice fly by Brendan Burke, but could not stop the red-hot Manhattan offense.
 
UP NEXT
 
Norfolk State and Manhattan close out the series on Sunday afternoon at Marty L. Miller Field. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.