NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State scored seven runs in the sixth inning and that was enough as the Spartans defeated Old Dominion University Baseball 8-4 Tuesday night at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.
Following a one hour and 25 minute rain delay and trailing 2-0, Norfolk State led off the sixth with a hit by pitch and back-to-back walks, before Caleb Ward delivered a grand slam to put the Spartans on top 4-2. The Spartans added three more runs in the inning on an error and passed ball, and an RBI double from Adam Collins.
NSU added another run in the eighth to push the score to 8-2. ODU mounted a comeback in the ninth as Matt Burch hit an RBI single and Kyle Battle walked with the bases loaded, but Michael Portela got the final two outs for the save.
In what was an early pitcher's duel, Kyle Battle gave ODU the lead with a two-run homer in the fourth.
John Wilson started his first game on the mound since 2017 for ODU and went five shutout innings, allowing one hit, one walk while striking out two. He left with a 2-0 lead.
Kevin Alicea earned the win for the Spartans, pitching five innings, allowing three hits and two runs.
ODU plays at Campbell tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Big Seventh Inning Lifts Norfolk State Over ODU, 8-4
Jared Hancock