ETTRICK, VA – The Trojans had the MEAC's finest, Norfolk State, on the ropes in both games of the doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon. The Spartans edged the Trojans 5-4 in game one while taking game two just 3-1 on the NSU Softball Field.
Game 1
After forcing the Trojans to leave three on the base paths to end the top of the first inning, the Spartans went on to score a run on an error by the first base player to make the score 1-0 heading into the top of the second inning. In the bottom of the second inning, the Spartans scored on a single with the bases loaded. On the next at-bat, NSU made it 3-0 with a bases loaded walk. After having only one hit heading into the top of the fifth inning, the veteran,
Samantha Cunningham, scored the Trojans first run as the fantastic freshman,
Alaijah Pratt, earned the RBI on a fielder's choice.
Nia Hall went on to capitalize off the mistake of the Spartans as she picked up the RBI while
Julia Jones came home to score.
Macy Beville was hit by a pitch on a 1-2 count to score
Alaijah Pratt from third. With the bases loaded,
Machenze Flood drew a walk on a 3-2 count to give the Trojans a 4-3 lead. With a runner on first base, the Spartans homered into dead center field to give NSU the lead 5-4. In the top of the sixth inning, the Trojans were able to load the base paths with only one out. After NSU made a pitching change, the Spartans earned back-to-back outs to get themselves out of a dangerous situation. NSU was able to hold VSU scoreless in the bottom of the seventh inning to take the victory 5-4.
Top Performers
Alaijah Pratt: 1-4, Run
Alani Horton: 2-4
Macy Beville: 1-3, RBI
Samantha Cunningham: 1-3, Walk, Run
Julia Jones: 1-3, Run, Walk
Alaijah Pratt: 6 Innings pitched, 5 Earned runs, 7 Hits, 5 Strikeouts
Game 2
After stellar pitching from both sides, the bottom of the second inning saw the game's first run as the Spartans scored a run from second base to make it 1-0. The bottom of the fourth inning saw the Spartans leave the yard again in dead center field to make it 2-0. After a scoreless fifth inning, the Spartans extended their lead to 3-0 after one run came home to score on a ground out to the shortstop with the bases loaded. As the Trojans approached the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning,
Serenity Barbee drew a walk to score
Macy Beville, which give the Trojans their first run. Unfortunately, the Trojans grounded out to the pitcher on the next at-bat which allowed the Spartans to escape with the win 3-1.
Top Performers
Alaijah Pratt: 2-4
Desmyn Owens: 1-3
Samantha Cunningham: 1-2
Macy Beville: 0-2, Run, Walk
Alaijah Pratt: 6 Innings pitched, 3 Earned runs, 7 Hits, 3 Strikeouts, 1 Walk
Up Next
Virginia State will travel to Elizabeth City, NC on Saturday, April 2 to take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
