ERIE, Pa. --- Norfolk State recorded back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2016, defeating Mercyhurst 4-0 on Sunday afternoon to secure the series win.
 
Norfolk State improved to 10-16 overall and 7-5 in Northeast Conference play, while Mercyhurst fell to 5-16 (5-7 NEC). Ethan Blakeney (3-2) earned the win in relief, tossing four innings with five strikeouts. Walker Fuller opened the game with three scoreless innings, and Yasseel Samboy closed it with two shutout frames.
 
Jaydan Israel led Norfolk State at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two walks and two stolen bases. Ryan Hoeft went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a double, while Justin Journette added two doubles.
 
Norfolk State jumped ahead in the second inning. Hoeft doubled and moved to third on a passed ball before Kydese Queen and Hunter Gillespie drew walks. Israel followed with a two-run single to right field, giving the Spartans a 2-0 lead.
 
The Spartans extended their advantage in the fifth. Journette doubled to left field before Cameron Mazell singled to put runners on the corners. Hoeft delivered an RBI single to score Mazell, pushing the lead to 3-0.
 
Norfolk State added an insurance run in the seventh. Josiah Harrison singled and stole second and third before scoring on Hoeft's RBI single, making it 4-0.
 
Norfolk State returns to action with a three-game series against Coppin State at Marty L. Miller Field beginning Thursday, April 2, at 3 p.m.
 
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