TEANECK, N.J. – The FDU Knights (2-20, 2-5 NEC) opened a three-game series against the Norfolk State Spartans (1-16, 1-6 NEC) with an 11-7 loss.
The Spartans jumped on the board quick with a big five-run first inning that was a result of a bases clearing defensive miscue by the Knights and a two-run triple.
FDU's,
Jimmy Mantuano ripped a ball over the right field fence for a solo homerun in the bottom of the first to give the Knights their first run of the day.
Diego Urreta followed up with an RBI double to left field to cut the deficit, 5-2.
Norfolk State tacked on two runs in the second inning off a solo homerun of their own and an RBI double to answer the Knights.
The Burgundy and Blue offense was silenced as the Spartans extended their lead in the third and seventh innings, adding three more runs to pull ahead to 10-2.
FDU found some answers in the eighth inning with two runs added to the board, but Norfolk answered with another run in the ninth bringing the score to 11-4.
Despite a late rally in the ninth by the Knights where they plated three runs, FDU couldn't overcome the Spartans lead ultimately falling by a score of 11-7.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights and Spartans will continue their three-game set with game two on Saturday, March 22. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will take place at Naimoli Family Baseball Complex in Teaneck, N.J.
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