HANOVER, Md. – Jack Kraft had hits in each game of a doubleheader setback to Norfolk State in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) baseball action at Joe Cannon Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Kraft drove in two runs in the opening game and had a pair of hits in the nightcap. Norfolk State (17-10 overall, 14-3 MEAC North) extended its winning streak to 11 games by claiming the first game 21-3 and the second contest, 8-0. For Kraft, it was his eighth multi-hit game of the season and his team best sixth game with at least two runs batted in.
Also in the opening game,
Colin Dower had his team leading fourth three-hit game of the season. He has seven multi-hit games this season. The Eagles (3-28-2, 2-15) started strong offensively after falling behind, 4-0, in the top of the first inning.
Dower,
Jeffrey Fitch and
Bryant Miranda opened the bottom of the first inning with consecutive singles. Miranda's hit produced Coppin State's first run of the game. Kraft delivered a two-out single that pulled Coppin State to within, 4-2. He delivered his final RBI in the fifth inning. Kraft has 31 hits on the season, which is second behind
George Dragon's total of 38. Kraft also leads Coppin State with 19 runs batted in.
Anderson Burgess finished with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings. He has recorded at least six strikeouts in four consecutive starts.
Coppin State remains five games behind Delaware State for the race for the final MEAC Northern Division playoff spot. Both teams have seven games remaining, including a three-game set next weekend at Cannon Stadium.
The Spartans had at least one hit from 13 players in the opening game. They rode the arm of pitcher Devin Hemmerich in the second game. Hemmerich struck out eight batters en route to the complete game triumph.
Norfolk State and Coppin State conclude their weekend series Sunday at noon.
