EASTON, Mass. – Late runs came in bunches for Stonehill on Saturday afternoon, as the Skyhawks pulled away to defeat Norfolk State 10-1 at Lou Gorman Field.
 
The Spartans (13-27) could not muster the same offensive production as the previous day, scoring their only run of the game in the second inning. Stonehill (17-25) led 2-1 after six innings but scored eight runs down the stretch for a convincing finish.
 
After a scoreless first frame by both sides, Norfolk State took advantage of its next opportunity. After Manny Jackson and Brendan Burke logged singles to lead off the inning, the Spartans crossed home plate on a fielding error to take a 1-0 lead.
 
Stonehill answered back immediately. Blaine Lidsky got ahold of a pitch for a leadoff home run, tying up the ballgame.
 
Norfolk State starting pitcher John Horton regained control quickly. The senior pitched a 1-2-3 third inning, maintaining the same efficiency in the fourth. Stonehill took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning, fueled by a double from Jack Marshall.
 
After scoring two runs in the seventh frame, Stonehill took command in the eighth. The Skyhawks registered seven hits in the inning, including three doubles, to pour in six runs for a 10-1 advantage.
 
Kydese Queen produced a leadoff single in the Spartans' final inning, but three consecutive outs closed out the win for Stonehill, evening the series.
 
UP NEXT
 
The teams will battle for a series victory on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch slated for 1 p.m.
 
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.