NORFOLK, Va. – Justin Journette tied Norfolk State's career home run record with a three-run bomb to centerfield on Saturday, as the Spartans fell 8-5 in their series finale against LIU.
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The homer from Journette marked the 35
th of his collegiate career, tying Mel Wearing's school record. The historic number has been untouched for nearly 36 years since Wearing's final college season in 1989.
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Nathaniel Varnier received the start for Norfolk State, putting together a strong outing. The senior left hander allowed just two earned runs over 5.0 innings, striking out two batters.
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Varnier held LIU scoreless through two frames, but three singles in the third inning helped LIU take a 2-0 advantage.
Kydese Queen produced an RBI in the fourth inning, before Journette tied the game up in the fifth with a timely base hit.
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LIU broke the game open with a six-run sixth inning, capitalizing on two defensive errors and four walks by the Spartans.
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Norfolk State struggled to get on base for the next stretch of the game, eventually heading to the ninth inning still trailing 8-2.
Cam Mazell got on base with a single, before
Jalan Jones walked. Journette cut the gap to three from there, blasting the milestone home run to put a trio of runs on the board.
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CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
- Norfolk State reliever Liam Royster (0-4) received the loss
- LIU starter Nicholas Finarelli (5-5) earned the win
- NSU starter Nathaniel Varnier pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two earned runs
- Justin Journette hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning
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NOTES
- Norfolk State dropped to 1-29 (1-17 NEC)
- LIU improved to 21-17 (15-3 NEC)
- Justin Journette hit his 35th home run of his career, tying Norfolk State's 36-year old all-time home run record set by Mel Wearing in 1989
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ON DECK
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Norfolk State hits the road to face Central Connecticut State next weekend, starting with a 3 p.m. matchup on Friday, Apr. 25.
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