NCCU Eagles Fall Short to Norfolk State 1-0

NORFOLK VA – The NCCU Eagles (26-19) fell short in a devastating loss versus the Norfolk State Spartans (24-26) on Friday afternoon 1-0. It took nearly eight full innings for the first and only run to be scored, but all it took was one mistake that changed the entire outcome of the game.                  

It was an old fashion pitcher’s duel, with two outstanding outings by Austin Vernon and James Deloatch. They allowed no earned runs surrendering just eight hits combined with 13 strikeouts.

There were numerous opportunities for both offensives to get on the board, but the pitchers overpowered them all day long. Chet Sikes had two of the four hits for the Eagles, and Luis DeLeon and Nick Fajardo also added one each. The one run for the Spartans was credited to a Danny Hosley single in the bottom of the eighth, which was set up because of a two-out error.    

The 6 foot 8 phenom Austin Vernon took the ball in his 12th start for the Eagles. He has pitched outstanding in the previous two games posting a no-hitter and a 13 strikeout performance. The hot stretch finalized his regular-season statistics at a 5-3 record with a 2.86 ERA. His 100 punchouts in 63 innings are undoubtedly eye-opening. After today’s start, his ERA now sits at 2.30.

It was nothing new for Vernon, as he registered at least one strikeout in the first seven innings. Vernon was also hitless in his first time through the Spartans lineup, but it was spoiled by no other than Danny Hosley. Vernon suffered an extremely unlucky defeat and was a key reason why the Eagles were in the game until the end. 

He lasted seven 2/3 innings allowing four hits, one unearned run, four walks, and struck out nine. Vernon’s four walks were unusual, but he ironically looked stronger on the mound with runners in scoring position. The pace he had on the bump was most impressive, and the righty continued to work quickly and efficiently. However, two errors by the Eagles defense would be the difference-maker in this one. 

James Deloatch was the opposing pitcher and kept a stingy Eagles lineup in check. The southpaw entered his ninth start carrying a respectable 6-2 record and a 2.98 ERA. Despite allowing two base runners on in the top half of the first, Deloatch settled down and was dominant. He went on to toss a complete game four-hit shutout in the team’s biggest game of the season while walking four and striking out five. The Eagles had multiple base runners on with two outs in the eighth, but an aggressive double steal attempt ended the inning, and the rest was history. 

Following Vernon, Caleb McRoy came out of the bullpen for the second straight day for the Eagles. He forced a fly out against the lone batter he faced and continues to be a reliable asset for manager Jim Koerner carrying a 4.62 ERA in 18 appearances. 

The Spartans are the first team to clinch a spot in the MEAC Championship, and as for the Eagles, they are far from done. They will take on the winner of Florida A&M and Delaware State later tonight, on Friday, May 21st, at 7:00 pm. For an opportunity to advance to the Championship game and seek revenge against Norfolk State.