NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Norfolk State Spartans will look to build on a dramatic extra-inning victory when they host the Coppin State Eagles in a Northeast Conference series opener Friday at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening. The forecast calls for cloudy skies and a game-time temperature of 79 degrees.

The Spartans (11-16) edged the Eagles (4-20) 7-6 in 10 innings just Thursday, a result that typifies the recent paths of the two teams. Norfolk State has won four of its last six, while Coppin State has dropped 15 of its last 17.

A key performer in Thursday’s win, Norfolk State reliever Yasseel Samboy, will be a player to watch. He fired four scoreless innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out five to earn the win. Over his last five appearances, Samboy has pitched 10 innings, yielding just one earned run.

Coppin State will counter with outfielder Pedro Agosto, who went 4 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs in the narrow loss. Agosto is hitting .429 (9 for 21) with two homers and 10 RBIs over his last six games.

Despite their record, the Eagles have shown offensive sparks, scoring six or more runs in five of their last ten games, though pitching struggles have persisted. The Spartans have found more consistent success behind a pitching staff that has posted two shutouts in its last five games.

Statistical projections favor the home team. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-2 Norfolk State victory, and its ELO system gives the Spartans a 51.2% probability to win.

Following Friday’s contest, the teams will meet again in Norfolk on Saturday to conclude the two-game set.