TEANECK, N.J. – A multi-homer game from
Travis Stroh propelled the FDU Knights (3-20, 3-5 NEC) past the Norfolk State Spartans (1-17, 1-7 NEC) with a 17-4 victory in a seven-inning contest.
The Knights' pitching staff for the day consisted of starting pitcher
Cooper Montelbano and relievers
Ethan Rembish and
Ben Pika. The trio combined for an impressive seven innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits while striking out 11.
The Spartans got on the board first in the fourth inning on a passed ball.
FDU's offense came to life in Saturday's midday conference game. In the bottom of the fourth,
Felix Gonzalez, who totaled four RBIs on the day, plated one run with a double to left field, bringing in
Joey DiMotta. Later that inning, freshman Stroh recorded his first collegiate grand slam, extending the Knights' lead by four runs. The scoring in the fourth concluded when Norfolk walked in a run, making it 6-1 in favor of FDU.
The fifth inning featured an offensive explosion, as the Knights posted a 10-run frame.
Jimmy Mantuano started things off with a single to left-center, bringing two runners across the plate.
Johnathan Gomez followed with a two-RBI single through the right side.
Tyler Worth then laced a double down the right-field line, plating two more runs. With two runners on, Gonzalez launched a home run to dead center, bringing the Knights' run total for the inning to nine. Stroh capped off the scoring with his second home run of the day, a deep shot to right-center. By the end of the fifth, FDU led 16-2.
Norfolk State tacked on another run in the top of the fifth with an RBI double to right field. The Spartans' offense was capped off in the sixth when they plated two runs on a throwing error by FDU, bringing their total to four runs for the game.
Gomez joined the home run party in the bottom of the sixth with a solo shot to center field, sealing the 17-4 victory for the Knights.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights and Spartans will close their three-game series on Sunday, March 23. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. and will be streamed on NEC Front Row.
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