FORT MYERS, Fla. – Michael Murray tossed a six-hit, complete game shutout for Florida Gulf Coast on Friday evening, as Bethune-Cookman fell in the opening game of a three-game series by a score of 5-0 at Swanson Stadium.
Bethune-Cookman (6-18) was looking to capture its first non-conference win of the campaign on Friday, but the homestandoing Eagles of Florida Gulf Coast would prove a formidable foe in attempting to conquer the task.
FGCU (9-12-1) plated two early runs in the home-half of the first inning to put pressure on the Wildcats right away.
Leadoff hitter Matt Reardon kicked things off with a double, followed by a B-CU error – one of three in the game committed by the Wildcats, allowing Reardon to score on the play which was originally a sacrifice bunt attempt from Tyler Selesky. Selesky would later score himself to make it 2-0 in favor of the Eagles when first baseman Nick Rivera laced a RBI single through the right side.
FGCU starting pitcher Michael Murray was nearly unsolvable by the B-CU offense as the Wildcats mustered up six hits, but failed to put a runner into scoring position until the ninth inning.
With Murray spinning a gem, the Eagles offense added two insurance runs in the fourth inning.
Left fielder Zach Spivey led off with a single, then advanced to second on a sac bunt from Kyle Gilbert. Spivey worked his way to third on a ground out from Reardon, only to score two plays later when a pitch got past B-CU catcher Clay Middleton. A triple from Jake Noll on the next at-bat plated Selesky to put FGCU up, 4-0.
FGCU scored the final run of the game in the sixth.
After Selesky walked, a failed pickoff attempt at first from B-CU reliever Michael Austin allowed Selesky to advance to third with just one out in the frame. Moments later, a two-out single from right fielder Colton Bottomley crossed Selesky, putting the margin at the final score of 5-0.
However, B-CU made things interesting in the ninth, as Nathan Bond began the at-bat with a leadoff single, and designated hitter Jordan Robinson singled back up the middle to put two men on with just one away. After José Carballo singled to load up the bases, it appeared Murray was beginning to labor for FGCU. He would quickly settle down and get Middleton to line out, followed by a force out at second off a fielder's choice from center fielder Jake Welch.
Murray picked up the win in a complete game effort for the Eagles, improving to 2-3 on the year. He spread out six hits and struck out four with no walks and no runs allowed.
The loss went to B-CU starter Keith Zuniga who fell to 2-3 on the campaign. The Preseason MEAC Pitcher of the Year worked four innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits, adding five strikeouts and allowing two walks. Austin worked the final four frames in relief, allowing an unearned run on one hit, striking out three and walking two.
The B-CU offense was led by Robinson with a solid 3-for-4 night. Also collecting hits were Jameel Edney, Bond and Carballo.
The Wildcats will look to even the series on Saturday, as junior right-hander Alex Seibold toes the rubber for the Wildcats. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m., with live stats for the game available here.
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