NEWARK, NJ - The NJIT baseball team was defeated 8-6 by host Norfolk State in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon at Marty L. Miller Field.
The Highlanders are now 2-7 on the season, while Norfolk State improved to 3-5.
NJIT got on the scoreboard first with a pair of runs in the first inning.
Julio Marcano began the rally by getting hit by a pitch and scored a batter later, when his brother,
David Marcano, doubled him home. The latter Marcano advanced to third on the throw and scored on the play when that throw sailed into the outfield.
The Spartans made it 2-1 in the home half of the inning and scored five more times in the fourth inning to take a 6-2 lead. Norfolk State then added a pair of runs in the sixth to go ahead by six runs heading into the final three inning.
NJIT was held off the scoreboard in the seventh and eighth, but scored four runs in the ninth and sent the tying run to the plate with two outs.
Paul Franzoni knocked in a run during the rally, while
Isiah Daubon hit a single that scored two more.
David Marcano led the Highlanders with two hits.
Evan Gegeckas had an impressive outing out of the bullpen, pitching a pair of perfect innings and striking out a pair of hitters.
The Highlanders and Spartans wrap up their three-game series on Sunday when they return to Marty L. Miller Field at noon.
