EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — A three-run third inning proved decisive as Stonehill edged Norfolk State 3-2 on Friday afternoon at Merkert Gymnasium. The Skyhawks improved to 20-27 overall, while the Spartans dropped to 18-30.

Norfolk State struck first in the top of the opening frame, manufacturing a pair of runs before the Skyhawks could record an out. The Spartans loaded the bases on a walk and two singles, then pushed across both runs on a fielder’s choice and a sacrifice fly. Stonehill starter James Gilleran settled down after that, retiring the next three batters to escape further damage.

The Skyhawks answered in the bottom of the third. With one out, Armanis Romero singled and Sam Parks followed with another single to put runners on the corners. Ryan LeClair flied out for the second out, but Michael Rickert delivered an RBI single to left field, scoring Romero. Nathan Kearney struck out swinging, but Jamison Howland singled to left, plating Parks and tying the game. Howland was then caught stealing second, but during the rundown Rickert dashed home from third to give Stonehill a one-run lead.

Both teams’ pitchers settled into a rhythm after the third. Norfolk State starter Ethan Blakeney allowed three runs on five hits through seven innings, striking out three and walking two. Gilleran worked seven innings for Stonehill, yielding two runs on four hits while fanning five and issuing three walks.

The Spartans mounted a comeback in the top of the eighth. Hunter Gillespie led off with a walk and advanced to third on a single by Jaydan Israel. Thomas Ealey then lifted a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Gillespie to cut the deficit to one. Israel stole second and scored on a single through the right side by Cameron Mazell, tying the game at 2. But Gilleran got out of the inning without further damage, ending the threat.

Stonehill answered in the bottom of the eighth against Norfolk State reliever CJ Patterson. Ryan LeClair singled to lead off, but Patterson retired the next two batters. A single by Jamison Howland put runners on first and second, but John Bureau struck out swinging to end the inning.

Norfolk State had one last chance in the top of the ninth. Jack Welsch entered in relief for Stonehill and walked Ryan Hoeft to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt moved Hoeft to second, but Sean Stewart, pinch running for Hoeft, was stranded as Kydese Queen grounded out and Hunter Gillespie grounded out to second base.

Stonehill finished with 10 hits to Norfolk State’s five. Cam Morrison doubled and singled for the Skyhawks, while Ryan LeClair also doubled and singled. For Norfolk State, Josiah Harrison had two hits and Mazell added a pair of singles. The two teams will meet again on Saturday for the second game of the series.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Stonehill 4, Norfolk State 3, and the ELO system gave the Skyhawks a 76.30 percent probability of winning.