BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Long Island Sharks erupted for 17 hits, including four home runs, to overpower the Norfolk State Spartans 15-4 in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader on March 7, 2026.

The game was effectively decided in a relentless first inning outburst by the Sharks, who immediately answered an early Norfolk State lead with a five-run frame. After Norfolk State starter Nyenati Snoh loaded the bases with two walks and a single, Long Island designated hitter Jake Kelleher erased the Spartans’ early advantage by launching a grand slam to left field, plating Noah Sorensen, Ryan Rivera and Nick Matson. The Sharks were not done, adding another run on a sacrifice fly by Mason Breton to take a 5-4 lead they would never relinquish.

That opening salvo set the tone for a dominant offensive performance. Long Island added two more runs in the third inning on a two-run double by Rivera, then broke the game open with a four-run fourth. In that inning, Breton tripled home Elijah Fairchild, Michael Polubinski followed with a two-run homer, and Tyler Benick capped the power display with a solo shot, extending the lead to 11-4.

Breton, the game’s top star, delivered the final blow in the fifth inning. After Fairchild singled and stole both second and third, and Joseph Durso walked, Breton connected for a three-run homer, his second extra-base hit and fifth RBI of the contest. Noah Sorensen later added an RBI single to complete the scoring. Breton finished 2 for 3 with the home run, triple and five RBIs.

The offensive support was more than enough for Long Island starter Nicholas Finarelli, who earned the win. He worked six innings, allowing four runs — three earned — on five hits while striking out 10 Spartans batters. Christian Yoo pitched a perfect seventh inning in relief to close out the seven-inning contest.

Norfolk State, which fell to 2-10 on the season, managed just five hits. Justin Journette provided a bright spot, going 2 for 3 with a solo home run in the third inning and an RBI single in the fifth. Cam Mazell also homered for the Spartans, a solo shot in the fourth. Starter CJ Patterson, who entered in relief, threw a scoreless sixth inning.

The loss extended a difficult stretch for Norfolk State, which has allowed 10 or more runs in seven of its ten defeats this season. Long Island, meanwhile, evened its record at 2-7 with a much-needed offensive explosion, showcasing a lineup that saw seven players record multiple hits. Polubinski went 3 for 3 with a homer, double, two RBIs and three runs scored, while Fairchild was 3 for 5 with three runs and Rivera drove in two runs on a 3-for-4 day.

The two teams were scheduled to conclude the doubleheader later Saturday.