BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Norfolk State baseball team fought hard against Virginia Tech on Wednesday afternoon, falling 15-5 in seven innings at Atlantic Union Bank Park.
 
The Spartans (0-10) accumulated seven hits but couldn't keep the Hokies off the basepaths with 13 walks.
 
Norfolk State once again showed no fear in the Hokies' ballpark, getting off to a strong start. Jaydan Israel extended his hit streak to 10 games with a leadoff single, stealing second moments later.  Jamal Ritter pushed a hit to right field, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead as Israel crossed home plate.

What a throw! 💪

Myles Crocker gets out of a bases loaded jam, thanks to a laser from Journette in right field!@NSUSpartans 1, VT 0 | E2#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/peodJazmOt

— Norfolk State Baseball (@SpartanBSB) March 5, 2025

Freshman Myles Crocker displayed the poise of a veteran against the ACC foe, pitching two scoreless innings in just the third start of his collegiate career. The left-hander tossed a 1-2-3 opening frame, before getting out of a bases load jam in the second thanks to a rocket throw from Justin Journette in right field.
 
The Spartans made a pitching change in the third inning and Virginia Tech took control from there. The Hokies scored six runs in the frame on three hits and an error.
 
Norfolk State answered back, scoring a pair of runs. Collin Curry drove in Journette with a double to center field, before the former made his way home on a wild pitch that cut the gap to 6-3.
 
A solo homer helped Virginia Tech push the lead to 8-3 before an inclement weather delay paused the matchup for just over an hour. Donovan Whitfield settled down quickly after the break, forcing a double play in his first test after the break.
 
Virginia Tech expanded the advantage to 12-3 with a four-run fifth inning. Norfolk State got out of the sixth inning without any damage defensively.
 
Norfolk State refused to go away. Kydese Queen reached first on a single, before Israel advanced him to third on a ground rule double. Jalan Jones got Queen home from there with a ground ball, before Journette drove in Israel with a two-out double.
 
Journette's extra base hit made the score 12-5, but Virginia Tech struck last before the game's conclusion. David Lewis crushed a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, closing out the Hokies second consecutive victory.
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Norfolk State pitcher Ryan Sellers (0-1) was credited with the loss
• Virginia Tech pitcher Marcel Kulik (1-0) earned the win
• Freshman Myles Crocker pitched 2.0 scoreless innings to start the game
• Jaydan Israel hit 2-of-3 with a double and two runs
• Justin Journette went 2-of-4 at the plate with an RBI double

NOTES

• Norfolk State dropped to 0-10 on the season with the loss
• Virginia Tech improved to 10-3 with the win

 
ON DECK
 
The Spartans return to Marty L. Miller Field for a weekend home series, opening conference play against Wagner on Friday, Mar. 7 at 3 p.m.
 
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