PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (Interstat) – The Norfolk State Spartans and Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks meet Sunday at Hawk Stadium for the third time in three days, with Norfolk State looking to build on a split in Friday’s doubleheader.

Norfolk State (16-25) won the opener 15-8 but dropped the nightcap 9-3. The Spartans hold a 2-1 edge in the season series. Maryland-Eastern Shore (8-32) seeks to even the ledger behind a pitching staff that has struggled to contain opponents, allowing an average of nearly eight runs per game in its last 10 contests.

Sunday’s forecast calls for 57-degree temperatures and cloudy skies.

Players to watch

Norfolk State right-hander Parker Hampton has been inconsistent but effective in bursts. In Friday’s 15-8 win, he tossed six innings of scoreless ball, allowing zero hits but four earned runs – an anomaly stemming from three walks and a hit batter – while striking out four. Over his last four outings, Hampton has a 5.91 ERA, but he has shown the ability to neutralize hitters, as evidenced by two hitless performances in his last five starts. He faces a Hawks lineup that managed just three runs in the first game Friday but erupted for nine in the second.

Maryland-Eastern Shore counters with right-hander Esteban Torres, who earned the win Friday in a 9-3 victory. Torres allowed three earned runs on six hits in six innings with four strikeouts. However, he has been prone to blowups, most recently surrendering eight earned runs in 2⅓ innings against Mercyhurst on April 17. Torres’ command will be critical; he has walked 12 batters over his last three starts.

Recent history

Friday’s doubleheader offered a microcosm of both teams’ seasons. Norfolk State’s offense erupted in the opener, with second baseman Hunter Gillespie going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and right fielder Justin Journette collecting three hits and three RBIs. The Spartans took an early lead and never trailed.

In the nightcap, Maryland-Eastern Shore’s bats responded, sparked by center fielder Julian Jimenez (2-for-2, RBI) and a strong relief outing from right-hander Elijiah Benton (2 innings, 1 earned run, 4 strikeouts) and Amari Hackett (1 inning, 0 runs).

Outlook

A game simulation by Interstat projects a 4-2 Norfolk State victory. The Spartans have won three of their last five, while the Hawks have dropped eight of 10. Norfolk State will look to build momentum before hosting VCU on Tuesday, while Maryland-Eastern Shore travels to Mount St. Mary’s on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon, with an evening start also listed for a potential second game.