GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Norfolk State's outfield trio of
Jamal Ritter,
Jalan Jones, and
Justin Journette all homered on Saturday afternoon, but the Spartans came up empty handed in a neutral-site doubleheader against Butler.
The Bulldogs (3-3) took down the Spartans (0-5) 16-7 in the first game, before shutting out Norfolk State's offense in a 10-0 triumph later in the afternoon.
Inclement weather forced Norfolk State to adjust its weekend schedule ahead of a homestand with the Bulldogs, playing the first two games of the three-game series on Saturday at Carolina Athletic Park. The third game of the series has been cancelled.
Norfolk State got off to a rough start in game one, giving up five runs in the first inning. The Spartans answered right back, however.
Jaydan Israel earned a leadoff walk, before Ritter launched a two-run shot past the left field wall to the put the Spartans on the board.
Lightning struck again just two plays later. After breaking Norfolk State's Division I single-season home run record last year, Journette launched his first long ball of the season.
Jalan Jones followed Journette with a double, before
Kydese Queen logged another two bases to bring Jones home. Queen's hit brought the Spartans within one at 5-4, with all of Norfolk State's opening inning hits coming before the Bulldogs recorded a single out.
Butler regained the cushion with a four-run second inning. Jones hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning, but the rally stopped there. Bulldogs reliever Brett Sherrard pitched the final four innings to secure the first victory for the visiting team.
A pair of first-inning homers gave Butler a 2-0 lead in the second game, adding an unearned run in the second inning. A four-run fourth inning put the Bulldogs in firm control.
Israel produced a spectacular day for the Spartans, batting 4-for-4 in game one and 2-for-3 in game two. Through five games, the JUCO transfer owns a .474 batting average and .545 on base percentage.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
Game 1:
Game 2:
- Norfolk State starting pitcher Walker Fuller (0-2) was credited with the loss
- Bulldogs starter Marcus Goodpaster earned the win (1-0)
- Jaydan Israel went 2-for-3 at the plate
NOTES
- Norfolk State dropped to 0-5 on the season with the losses
- Butler improved to 3-3 with the victories
- Christian Velez made his collegiate debut on Saturday
ON DECK
With Sunday's matchup against Butler cancelled, the Spartans will return to action next weekend for a three-game road series at VMI.
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