TALLAHASSEE, Fla - The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats made it 13 consecutive over Florida A&M in completing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) series sweep on Sunday, getting to work early on offense to top the Rattlers 11-6 in the finale at Moore-Kittles field.
Center fielder Julian Santos got the Wildcats started, setting the tone for the entire game with a first inning RBI single lined over the third baseman, bringing in right fielder Josh Johnson for the 1-0 advantage.
While the Wildcats maintained a shutout through four innings of Sunday's finale, behind starting pitcher Scott Garner, the Wildcats began to mount a series of big offensive innings, starting with the third.
Johnson led off the frame with a first-pitch home run to left field, notching the first long ball of the season, and the first for the Tampa, Fla. senior since the 2012 NCAA Regional (Gainesville). Following a walk for first baseman Eric Sams, the Wildcats went beyond the park once again, with Jordan Robinson going yard on a two-run shot to left.
The Wildcats added to the total once again in the top of the fifth with a Sams RBI double and Robinson sacrifice fly, however, the Wildcats grew the lead to double digits in the sixth, adding RBI singles from Santos, Sams, Matt Noble and Austin Garcia.
The Wildcats would score once more, bringing the total to 11 on Jake Welch's RBI single to left field in the top of the eighth.
The Rattlers broke up the shutout in the bottom of the fifth with a two run homer for designated hitter Bennie Robinson. Florida A&M added four more runs in the final two frames against B-CU's relievers, however, B-CU maintained it's 11-6 advantage through the final out.
Garner (1-1) earned the victory after six innings on the mound, striking out five rattlers while allowing just four hits.
At the plate, Noble had a quiet 4-for-5 performance with two RBI, leading the Wildcats, who put up 14 hits on the day. Sams went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, while Santos went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Johnson and Robinson each hit .500, combining for four RBI and four runs scored.
The Wildcats (6-4, 3-0 MEAC) return to action on Tuesday (March 4) night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, taking on UCF at 6 p.m. The Knights (6-5) fell in each of a three-game series to No. 24 Ole Miss, this weekend in Orlando.
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-B-CUathletics.com-
