NORFOLK, Va. – Despite coming back from an early 4-0 deficit, Norfolk State dropped its series finale to Manhattan 6-4 on Sunday afternoon.
 
Manhattan got off to a quick start, scoring four runs in the first inning. After the Jasperts got on the board on a throwing error, Tyler Hanses launched a three-run home run to left field.
 
Like they have all season, the Spartans battled back. Jamal Ritter maneuvered the basepaths well to start the rally, scoring from third on a fly ball in the bottom of the first
 
Norfolk State stormed up the scoreboard in the third inning, tallying three runs. Raphael Rodriguez continued his strong weekend with a two-RBI single, before Justin Journette ran home on a passed ball to tie things up.
 
Manhattan took back control quickly, scoring two runs in the fourth inning.
 
While the Spartans struggled to mount another charge with their bats, Norfolk State's pitching staff locked in after the fourth inning, going the final five frames withing allowing a run. Ethan Blakeney racked up four strikeouts in a pair of scoreless innings, before Nolan Manzer made quick work of Manhattan's lineup in the eighth and ninth innings.
 
Norfolk State's best opportunity to stage another comeback came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Hits from Swaroop Pujari and Cam Mazell put both in scoring position, but Jaspers pitcher Michael Staiano pulled together back-to-back strikeouts to get out of the jam.
 
 
NEXT UP
 
Norfolk State plays its first road game of the 2024 season on Tuesday afternoon, facing William & Mary at 3 p.m.
 
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