Norfolk State Pushes Past FAMU into MEAC Semis

Caleb Ward started things off with a home run in the first, then Norfolk State scored four runs in the seventh without a hit as the Spartans downed Florida A&M 7-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament Thursday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The Spartans (23-24) will face North Carolina A&T State in the winner’s bracket final Friday at 12 p.m., while the Rattlers (23-32) will face either Delaware State or Savannah State in an elimination game at 3:30 p.m.

Kaycee Reese’s two-run homer closed the Rattlers to within 3-2 in the sixth before the Spartans pulled away in the seventh.

After the Rattlers made a pitching change, Stephen Baughan was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in a run, then Korey Singh and Ty Hanchey each drew a bases-loaded walk. Adam Collins then bunted home a run to make it a 7-2 game.

Alsander Womack, Ward and Baughan each had two hits for the Spartans. Jonathan Mahoney picked up the win, scattering four hits while walking one and striking out nine.

Josh Hancock struck out for seven while absorbing the loss for Florida A&M.