JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ashley Simon's RBI single in the fifth inning proved to be the game-winning run on Sunday, as Jacksonville defeated Bethune-Cookman, 3-2 in the finale of the Jacksonville University Invitational at the Pruitt Complex.
Jacksonville (5-6) used Simon's RBI single to right field that allowed Danielle Baker to score from second, after the Dolphins shortstop began the JU at-bat in the frame with a bunt single. Baker was put into scoring position a play later when Victoria Brown's sacrifice bunt moved Baker to second, setting up the game-winning hit from Simon.
Bethune-Cookman (2-8) touched the scoreboard first in the second inning, driving in a pair of runs off the second home run of the year from catcher Geena Capitini. The Boynton Beach, Florida native, and junior college transfer from Sante Fe State, delivered a shot over the left field wall that also brought around Shamaria Engram on the play. Engram kicked off the inning drawing a walk from JU starting pitcher Taylor Rossman.
The Dolphins finally touched B-CU starter Sabrina Anguiano in the home-half of the second inning.
Lexie Ballard led off with a double to left center, followed by a B-CU error that allowed her to score on the mishap.
JU scored again in the next frame, tying the game at 2-2 courtesy Simon's solo home run to left field.
Anguiano settled in after the home run, sitting down five of the next six batters, and allowing just four hits over the course of the next three frames – which including Simon's game-winning single.
B-CU was led offensively by Calesha Shelley with three hits in four at-bats, while Capitini registered both RBI via the home run. For the weekend, Shelley tied Mariah Davis for a team-leading six hits, including the first triple of the campaign for the Wildcats.
JU got a pair of hits from Simon, as well as five other players with one hit each.
Anguiano took the loss for the Cats, falling to 1-7 on the year. The sophomore from Hacienda Heights, California tossed all seven innings in the circle, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and striking out three. Meanwhile, the win went to JU's Victoria Brown in relief action, as she tossed four frames, allowing just a single hit and fanning two. She upped her record to 3-4, while Taylor Rossman earned the no-decision in three innings pitched, giving up two earned runs on three hits with two walks.
Bethune-Cookman gets back on the field next weekend, traveling to Ft. Myers, Florida for the FGCU/Four Points by Sheraton Invitational hosted by Florida Gulf Coast. The tournament runs February 20-22, with B-CU starting off Friday against Stony Brook.
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