DURHAM, N.C. – Norfolk State University scored the first eight runs of the game and appeared to be on its way to an easy victory over North Carolina Central University on Wednesday evening inside Durham Athletic Park.
 
However, the host Eagles stormed back to pull to within one run of the Spartans at the end of seven innings of play. But Norfolk State senior designated hitter Kyle Vaas hit a towering three-run home run over the right field wall in the top of the eighth, his second three-RBI blast of the day, to lift the visitors to a 13-9 win over NCCU.
 
Vaas finished with three hits and seven RBI, while Roger Hall added two hits with a double and three runs scored for the Spartans. Justin Lee and Syeed Mahdi also hit home runs for NSU (4-8).
 
NCCU (7-7) was topped by senior James Dey, who had a single, a double and a run scored at the plate, while also striking out six batters in 3.1 innings of relief.
 
Senior first baseman Christian Triplett tallied two hits with a double and two RBI, while Thomas Prospero and Jacobi Harris also contributed a pair of hits each.
 
Chase Anderson took the mound in the fifth inning for Norfolk State to pick up the victory. NCCU starting pitcher Landon Fraley took the loss, surrendering seven runs (five earned) on three hits with four walks and four strikeouts in 1.2 innings of work.
 
NCCU opens MEAC play on Saturday, March 12 with a doubleheader at rival North Carolina A&T in Greensboro. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.