NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State baseball team struggled to contain an explosive offensive performance by Coppin State on Friday, dropping the first game of the conference series 20-6.
 
With strong winds carrying fly balls deeper throughout the afternoon, the game featured four total home runs from both the Spartans (9-24, 5-11 NEC), and the Eagles (7-19, 6-10), two by each squad.
 
The Spartans struck first with two runs in the first inning, thanks to RBI hits by Manny Jackson and Collin Curry. A four-run fourth frame thrust Coppin State ahead 4-2, before Curry gave Norfolk State another advantage with a three-run homer to right field.
 
Coppin State responded with a long ball in the next frame. Freshman Jalan Jones launched one out of the park to tie the game 6-6, the first home run of his collegiate career.
 
CSU added two runs in the fifth inning, before taking control in the sixth. A series of free bases led to a four-run showing, before Anthony Divittorio added to the surge with a grand slam homer.
 
The Eagles closed out their fiery stretch in the seventh inning, before Justin Ritz closed out the game for CSU on the mound.
 
UP NEXT
 
The teams return to Marty L. Miller Field on Saturday at 1 p.m. for the second game of the series.
 
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