Behind the bats of Vito Friscia, Vinnie Costello and Rob Weissheier, Hofstra baseball swept Norfolk State Sunday in Virginia 8-6, extending the team’s win streak to five games.
Friscia belted the eventual game-winning home run in the top of the sixth inning, a two-run jack down the left field line to give the Pride the lead 7-6. Vinnie Costello hit a solo shot earlier in the inning, the first round-trippers for each player this season.
Rob Weissheier set the pace in the opening frame with a two-RBI single. He finished the game 3-4 with three runs batted in, two doubles and a run scored. Through 17 at-bats, Weissheier has four doubles and seven total hits (.412).
Weissheier also found a way to contribute with his feet in the fourth inning. Picking up his first career stolen base, he stole home on a throw to second, making it 3-0 Hofstra.
Devon Jeffreys later scored in the same inning on an error by Norfolk State’s Aaron Robinson.
The Spartans squeaked onto the scoreboard in the home half of the fourth on a RBI base hit by Ismael Herrera. Norfolk State managed to cross another run following an error from Teddy Cillis in left field.
The home squad then took the lead in the fifth on a three-run home run off the bat of Alsander Womack, giving Norfolk State a 5-4 lead. Justin Burrell added another run on a sacrifice fly in the same frame.
Zach Altieri earned the win for Hofstra out of the bullpen, his first collegiate victory. Altieri tossed three outs, allowing one run with one strikeout.
Seamus Brazill was given the start, spanning four innings with five runs (three earned) and one punch-out.
Michael James and Chris Weiss threw the final four innings. Weiss mowed down eight batters in three innings, bringing his strikeout total to 12 this season in just 7.2 innings.
Trey Hanchey fell to 0-3 for Norfolk State in a 5.2-inning effort. Hanchey fanned six batters and surrendered seven runs (five earned).
Joey Santos footed the rubber for the remainder of the game, striking out five.
For the game, Friscia batted 3-5, jumping is batting average to .400 through 25 at-bats. Costello and Mikey Riesner added two hits apiece.
The Pride (5-2) returns to action March 10 and 11 for the UMBC Tournament in Maryland to battle UMBC and Mount St. Mary’s (MD).
