PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Despite cutting the lead down to one run in the fifth inning and two runs in the eighth inning, the Norwich University baseball team could not overtake Plattsburgh State Tuesday, March 27, as it fell by a 7-3 final at Chip Cummings Field.

Norwich pitcher Brad Hudson (Eugene, Oregon/South Eugene) went six-plus innings and gave up only three earned runs for the second straight start. The junior right-hander allowed seven hits while walking five and striking out three.

Senior third baseman Joe Sleeman (Rochester, N.Y./Greece Athena) swung a hot bat for the Cadets, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Sleeman came through with a clutch two-out RBI single in the top of the fifth to score freshman Brandon Place (Concord, N.H./Concord) from third and trim the deficit to 3-2. Junior right fielder Dustin Shimkus (Collinsville, Ill./Metro East Lutheran) added a 2-for-4 effort with a double and a RBI.

Chris Pescetti (three RBIs) and Damien Tyler (two RBIs) did most of the damage offensively for PSU (12-7). Production was spread throughout the Cardinal lineup as four players had two-hit games.

Kyle Kelly was strong on the mound to pick up the win for Plattsburgh State, allowing one earned run over eight innings of work. Kelly allowed seven hits while both walking and striking out three.

Norwich takes on in-state foe Southern Vermont when it travels to Bennington Thursday, March 29. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.