Norfolk, Va. (Apr. 29, 2022) –
Peter Carreca tossed his first complete game and
Miguel Rivera drove in a season-high four runs to lead visiting Delaware State to an 8-3 MEAC victory over Norfolk State in a nationally-televised (ESPNU) contest at Marty Miller Stadium today.
Carrecca scattered three runs (two earned) on seven hits, while striking out five with only one walk to post the Hornets' first nine-inning complete game since
Cole Bates defeated Norfolk State 5-2 in April 1, 2021.
Rivera was three for four with a triple, double and a season-high four runs batted in, one shy of his career best.
Trey Paige and
Mike Worthington each had two hits and a RBI for the Hornets.
Delaware State opened the scoring with a run just two batters into the game. Rivera drew a walk to leadoff the game and dashed home with the game's first run when Paige followed with a triple to the gap in left center field.
The Hornets tacked on three runs in the second to stretch their lead.
Jordan King started the rally with a one out single to left. After King advanced to second base on a passed ball, catcher
Robert Trujillo drew a walk to put runners on second and first. The next batter,
Mike Worthington, singled to right, scoring Hicks to give the Hornets a 2-0 lead and advancing Trujillo to third. After Worthington stole second, Rivera triple to right center, chasing home Trujillo and Worthington to stretch Delaware State's advantage to 4-0.
Norfolk State got to Carreca for a run in the third when Tommy Woods led off the inning with a homer over the wall in left field.
The Hornets answered with a run in the top of the fourth when Rivera singled in Worthington from third with one out to restore their four-run lead.
Trujillo singled in a run and knocked in his fourth run of the game on a double to highlight Delaware State's three-run fifth inning, stretching the lead to 8-1.
The win gives the Hornets a 7-2 edge over the Spartans, with three games remaining in the season series
The series continues with two seven-inning games on Saturday. Game one is set for 12:00 p.m. The four-game set at Marty Miller Field wraps up on Sunday with a 12:00 p.m. contest.
