NSU Defeats Monarchs, 10-5 :: Velleggia knocks in three

March 26, 2008

NORFOLK, VA--Norfolk State rallied for five runs in the sixth inning to defeat ODU, 10-5 Wednesday evening at Marty Miller Field. The Monarchs are now 13-11, while the Spartans are 8-10.

ODU took a 5-3 lead in the top of the sixth as sophomore catcher Joe Velleggia cleared the bases with a double to left field scoring Jake McAloose, Anthony Shawler and Bryan Cipolla.

NSU came back in the bottom of the sixth with five-run two out rally. John Lynch walked with the bases loaded, forcing in Brandon Hairston. Secondbaseman Moriba George then singled to plate Ryan Wiggins and Chris Joyce. Brad Stephenson then doubled home George and Lynch to build the lead to 8-5. The Spartans scored two more runs in the eighth.

The Monarchs loaded the bases in the seventh when Jimmy Miles, Bryan Cipolla and David Burns walked, but NSU reliever Leon Schabacker pitched out of the jam.

ODU's first inning run came after Jimmy Miles led off the game with a single, and was advanced to second on a Max Most groundout. Miles then stole third and came home on an NSU throwing error. ODU took a 2-1 lead in the fourth as Anthony Shawler led off with a triple and scored on McAloose's sacrifice fly.

Velleggia led ODU with two hits and three runs batted in. Dexter Carter fanned eight in 5.1 innings of work. The Spartans were led by Brad Stephenson who had three hits and five RBI.

ODU returns to CAA play when they travel to Fairfax for a three-game series at George Mason, beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m.

ODU 100 103 000 5-7-1
NSU  100 025 02x 1012-1
ODU- Dexter Carter, Cory Toth (6), Robbie Watkins(6), Daniel Abdalla(6) and Joe Velleggia.  NSU- Joey Seal, Frankie Caldeyro(7), Leon Schaabacker(7), Jason Barker
(9) and Brad Stephenson.
WP: Seal(3-2) LP: Carter (1-2)