TEANECK, N.J. – The Norfolk State baseball team could not capitalize off a Friday victory, falling 17-4 at FDU on Saturday afternoon.
 
Ethan Blakeney (0-3) took the loss for the Spartans, while Cooper Montelbano (2-2) earned the win for FDU. The Knights accumulated 17 hits on the day, drawing 13 walks as well.
 
Both pitching staffs got off to a tremendous start, flying through the first three innings without a run on the board. Jamal Ritter tripled in the fourth inning, scoring on a passed ball shortly after to break the tie.
The Knights tied the game up in their next opportunity through the lineup but broke the game open from there. Travis Stroh launched a grand slam home run over the outfield wall, surging FDU ahead 5-1.
 
Back-to-back doubles from Brendan Burke and Jaydan Israel gave Norfolk State some life, but a disastrous inning on the mound from there locked up the result. FDU scored 10 runs in the fifth on six hits, including two home runs.
 
The Knights added their fourth home run of the day in the sixth inning, putting the closing touches on the second game.
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Norfolk State starter Ethan Blakeney received the loss
• FDU starter Cooper Montelbano (2-2) earned the win
• Blakeney pitched three scoreless innings to open the game, but gave up five earned runs in the fourth frame
• Jaydan Israel went 2-of-3 with a walk and one RBI
• Jamal Ritter went 1-of-3 with a triple
• Brendan Burke was 2-of-2 at the plate with a double and a walk

 
NOTES

• Norfolk State dropped to 1-17 on the season, 1-7 in NEC play
• FDU improved to 2-21 with the loss, 3-5 in the NEC

 
ON DECK
 
Norfolk State and FDU close the series on Sunday at 12 p.m.
 
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