GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman's seven-game winning streak ended Tuesday as top-ranked Florida downed the Wildcats 7-1 before a McKethan Stadium crowd of 2,692 and an ESPN 3 audience.
Nelson Maldonado drove in three runs and JJ Schwarz and Peter Alonso two each as the Gators (38-7) took control with a five-run second inning.
That inning saw the Wildcats (23-23) commit two errors, putting runners on the bases for a three-run homer for Maldonado from the ninth spot and Alonso's two-run double to left that helped Florida increase its lead to 6-0.
“You can not do that against the #1 team, or any good team,” said B-CU Head Coach Jason Beverlin. “You have to focus on what you do best and not give the other team credit.”
Michael Cruz put the Wildcats on the scoreboard – and also broke up the Florida no-hitter-- with his leadoff homer in the fourth.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference co-player of the week, Cruz registered his 16th homer of the season and went yard for the third time in four games.
After the second, German Hernandez threw three scoreless innings before giving up a solo homer to Schwarz in the sixth.
Nathan Bond extended his hitting streak to 19 games, and Alex Seibold threw two scoreless innings of relief.
“We had a lot of positives,” Beverlin said. “We played good defense in spots. Cruz came in with the big hit, German actually threw better than line score indicates and Seibold threw well. Hopefully, we learn from this and not spot team runs. The damage had been done.”
Bethune-Cookman returns to action next Tuesday at Miami.
