NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State baseball team got off to a hot start on Saturday, but couldn't salvage a victory as Delaware State came back to win 9-4 at Marty L. Miller Field.
 
The Spartans (7-20, 4-8 NEC) nabbed a run in the opening inning, thanks to ample baserunning from Jamal Ritter. After earning a leadoff walk, Ritter stole second before eventually scoring on Justin Journette's sacrifice fly.

Norfolk State kept the same energy in its next opportunity at the plate, producing a three-run second inning. Jalan Jones, Journette, and Manny Jackson each tallied RBI singles in three consecutive at-bats to push Norfolk State ahead 4-0.
 
The Spartans received strong performances from a pair of pitchers – starter Joe Lafave and reliever Mac Yarbrough. Lafave pitched a pair of scoreless innings to open the game, before Yarbrough came in and tossed five scoreless frames, allowing just three hits and accumulating six strikeouts.
 
Delaware State (7-16, 6-6) broke through in the eighth inning. The Hornets reached safely on seven consecutive at-bats with two outs on the board, producing six runs to surge in front.
 
Delaware State added three more runs in the ninth, extending its late burst to nine runs. The Hornets forced the Spartans into a 1-2-3 ninth inning, closing out the series sweep.
 
UP NEXT
 
Norfolk State returns home on Tuesday, Apr. 2 to face VMI at Marty L Miller Field.  
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.