DURHAM, N.C. – Bethune-Cookman Baseball looks to end its current five-game regular season Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) losing streak – dating back to last season, as the Wildcats visit North Carolina Central for a three-game stretch this weekend in Durham, North Carolina. All games will be played at Durham Athletic Park.
The Wildcats are coming off a win in their last contest, an 8-3 decision over Quinnipiac on the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's integration into professional baseball.
In MEAC play, Bethune-Cookman was swept last weekend in the conference-opening series at Florida A&M. It marked the first time in more than a decade that the Wildcats were swept in a MEAC series, and more than 12 years since they were swept by the Rattlers.
AT A GLANCE
Records: Bethune-Cookman 6-11 (0-3 MEAC) | North Carolina Central 9-9 (2-1 MEAC)
Rankings: Bethune-Cookman is unranked. North Carolina Central is unranked.
On The Web: BCUathletics.com • Twitter: @BCUDiamondCats, @JasonBeverlin
ON THE AIR
Live Audio: Live audio of the entire weekend series is provided by the NCCU Sports Network (click here)
Live Stats: Live stats for each game will be available through NCCUEaglePride.com (click here)
BETHUNE-COOKMAN VS. N.C. CENTRAL PROBABLE STARTERS
SATURDAY, MARCH 19 (1 p.m.)
Bethune-Cookman
RHP German Hernandez (2-1, 3.52 ERA)
N.C. Central
RHP Alex Dandridge (2-1, 2.86 ERA)
SATURDAY, MARCH 19 (4 p.m.)
Bethune-Cookman
RHP Tyler Norris (2-0, 2.60 ERA)
N.C. Central
RHP Cameron Scalzo (1-2, 5.14 ERA)
SUNDAY, MARCH 20 (1 p.m.)
Bethune-Cookman
RHP Alex Seibold (0-3, 8.22 ERA)
N.C. Central
TBA
Bethune-Cookman-North Carolina Central Series History
• The two teams split both series last year, with the home teams holding court at Jackie Robinson Ballpark (B-CU) and Durham Athletic Park (NCCU), respectively.
• NCCU took the final two games of the series in Durham a season ago.
• With North Carolina Central joining the MEAC in 2011-12, the two teams have squared off 24 times.
• Bethune-Cookman leads the all-time series, 15-9.
• Bethune-Cookman defeated NCCU once in postseason play, taking down the Eagles during the 2013 MEAC Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia.
• The only time the Wildcats have swept the Eagles in a series was in the initial meeting back in 2012.
Noting the Wildcats
• Michael Cruz is listed in the top 20 of the MEAC in batting average, currently holding a .323 average at the plate.
• Clay Middleton, splitting time as a designated hitter and catcher this season, is third in the league in slugging percentage (.429).
• Second baseman Jameel Edney leads the Wildcats with 12 RBI, as well as topping the team with 21 hits and five doubles.
• In the last three games, B-CU has posted three home runs – Danny Rodriguez (at FAMU), Michael Cruz (vs. Quinnipiac) and José Carballo (vs. Quinnipiac).
• Starting pitchers German Hernandez and Tyler Norris have each collected MEAC Pitcher of the Week accolades thus far in the season.
Notes from the Eagles
• Zachary Marszal is one of the top RBI producers for the Eagles this season, as he's driven in 12 runs and has racked up five extra base hits.
• Marszal has 17 hits and 12 runs scored, along with three doubles, a triple and a home run.
• Alex Dandridge anchors the rotation with a 2-1 record over his first four starts, and keeps a rotation-best 2.86 ERA. Over 22 complete innings thrown he has racked up 15 strikeouts, and only allows opponents to bat .169 against him which is best on the staff.
Up Next for B-CU
Bethune-Cookman returns home to Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark to face North Florida on Tuesday, March 22, at 6 p.m.
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