NORFOLK, Va. --- Norfolk State baseball returns to Marty L. Miller Field this week for four games, beginning Tuesday, Apr. 14 against VMI before opening a three-game series against New Haven on Friday, Apr. 17.
 
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 14 vs. VMI — 3 p.m.
Friday, April 17 vs. New Haven — 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 vs. New Haven — 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 vs. New Haven — 12 p.m.
 
Fans can follow all games via live stats on the Norfolk State athletics website or by checking the NSU baseball account on X.
 
ABOUT THE SPARTANS
Norfolk State enters the week 12-20 overall and 9-9 in Northeast Conference play. Wagner swept the Spartans last weekend, winning 15-2, 3-2 and 12-1.
 
Thomas Ealey leads the Spartans with a .375 batting average, totaling 45 hits, 27 runs scored, nine RBIs and two triples. Justin Journette ranks second on the team with a .339 average, adding 37 hits, 32 runs, 31 RBIs, 11 home runs and eight doubles. Jaydan Israel (.307) and Josiah Harrison (.306) also hit above .300.
 
Parker Hampton (3-1) leads the pitching staff with a 4.26 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Ethan Blakeney (3-3) has a team-high 39 strikeouts, while Walker Fuller has recorded 23. Yasseel Samboy anchors the bullpen with a 3.28 ERA, 25 strikeouts and three saves.
 
ABOUT THE KEYDETS
VMI enters Tuesday's game 24-11 overall and 19-4 in Southern Conference play. Samford swept the Keydets last weekend, winning 10-4, 8-3 and 5-3. VMI leads the nation with 146 stolen bases.
 
Grayson Fitzwater paces the offense with a .372 batting average, 47 RBIs, 45 hits, 41 runs scored, 14 home runs and 12 doubles. Owen Prince hits .331 with 43 hits, 46 runs scored, 25 stolen bases and 14 RBIs. Cole Raile adds a .323 average with 40 hits, 35 runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.
 
Hunter Sipe (4-1) leads the pitching staff with a 2.39 ERA and 45 strikeouts. Peyton Dhein (2-3) has 36 strikeouts, while Buddy Baker (5-0) leads the bullpen with a 1.99 ERA, 22 strikeouts and two saves.
 
ABOUT THE CHARGERS
New Haven enters the week 4-23 overall and 4-11 in NEC play after dropping two of three to LIU. The Chargers will face Bridgeport on Wednesday before traveling to Norfolk.
 
Jake Russo leads the team with a .410 batting average, recording 32 hits, 17 runs, nine RBIs and nine doubles. Matt McIntire (.291) and Jaylin Manson (.290) rank second and third on the team, respectively. Shaun Callahan leads the team with four home runs.
 
Max Hilsenroth (0-3) owns a 6.26 ERA with 19 strikeouts. Mason Gilckman leads the staff with 22 strikeouts, while Vincent Fusco has 21. Jase Vanvalkenberg (2-0) leads the bullpen with a 3.63 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
 
SERIES HISTORY
Norfolk State holds a 2-28 all-time record against VMI. The Keydets swept a four-game series last season and also defeated the Spartans 15-10 earlier this year.
 
This weekend marks the first meeting between Norfolk State and New Haven.
 
ON DECK
Norfolk State continues its homestand next week, hosting Virginia State on Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 5 p.m. The Spartans will then host Le Moyne in a three-game series beginning Friday, Apr. 24 at 3 p.m.
 
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