NORFOLK, Va. — The M.L. Morgan era at Norfolk State opened with a win Friday afternoon, as the Spartans defeated Towson 2-0 in the season opener.
 
Norfolk State improved to 1-0 on the year, while Towson fell to 0-1.
 
Brendan Burke led the Spartans offensively, going 2-for-2 with a run scored. Justin Journette scored the other Norfolk State run, while Emmett Jefferson added a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.
 
Norfolk State collected its first two hits in the bottom of the second inning. Jefferson singled through the left side before getting caught stealing, and Kydese Queen followed with a double to left field. The Spartans left Queen stranded at second heading into the third.
 
The Spartans broke through in the third inning. Journette singled to left field and advanced to third after Burke reached on a fielding error. Ryan Hoeft then reached on a throwing error, allowing Journette to score and give Norfolk State a 1-0 lead.
 
Jefferson recorded his second hit of the game in the fourth inning, but Queen grounded into a double play to end the threat. Norfolk State did not record another hit until the seventh, when Cameron Mazell opened the inning with a single to center field.
 
Towson loaded the bases in the top of the ninth, but a fielder's choice ended the inning without allowing the tying run to score. The Spartans added an insurance run in the eighth, as Burke doubled and later scored on a throwing error to extend the lead to 2-0.
 
Yasseel Samboy closed out the game in the ninth, striking out two and inducing a flyout to secure the save.
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Norfolk State defeated Towson 2-0
• Burke led the Spartans, going 2-of-2 at the plate, along with one run scored
• Journette brought in a run on his one hit
• Jefferson went 2-of-4 at the plate
• Ethan Blakeney was credited with the win after pitching five innings
• Samboy recorded the save, striking out four batters

NEWS & NOTES

• Norfolk State improved to 1-0 with the win
• Towson fell to 0-1 with the loss
• Norfolk State improves to 4-2 all-time against Towson
• M.L. Morgan recorded his first win as Norfolk State's head coach
• The Spartans recorded their first shutout win since April 12, 2023 

UP NEXT
Norfolk State returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 14 for the series finale against Towson in a doubleheader, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
 
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