TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M scored three unanswered runs to erase an early deficit in order to defeat Bethune-Cookman, 3-1 on Friday in the opening game of a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) baseball series at Moore-Kittles Field. For Bethune-Cookman, the loss would be the Wildcats' third on the spin.
 
With all eyes on the Sunshine State for the second and final series of the year between the two MEAC Southern Division powerhouses, it was homestanding Florida A&M that punched first for the series opening victory. For the second time this year, the Rattlers would secure the win to begin the series, putting the pressure on the defending MEAC Tournament Champions from Daytona Beach, Florida.
 
However, it would be Bethune-Cookman (21-16, 8-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) stepping out in front first in the top of the third inning.
 
Redshirt junior shortstop Demetrius Sims put himself into scoring position with a one-out double to right field, only to be plated on the ensuing play when junior first baseman Adonis Lao picked up a RBI single to center.
 
Florida A&M (18-15, 8-5 MEAC) would counter in order to tie the game at 1-1 in the home-half of the fourth inning.
 
Willis McDaniel led off being hit by a pitch from Wildcats freshman Anthony Maldonado, eventually working his way to second on a wild pitch. The Rattlers centerfielder would score from there two plays later courtesy a two-out error that allowed Octavien Moyer to reach safely at first.
 
In the sixth, FAMU would take the 2-1 lead when Moyer reached out to register a single to right field, driving across McDaniel from third. For the second scoring inning for FAMU, McDaniel led off the inning reaching safely, this time with a single to left.
 
The Rattlers added an insurance run in the eighth when Brian Davis was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
 
The win went to FAMU right-hander Ryan Anderson in the starting role, picking up his first victory on the bump and pushing him to 1-2 for the year. He went seven innings on the rubber, allowing just the one run on six hits. He walked three and fanned five in the game. The save went to Thomas Nicoll who pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three Wildcats to close.
 
Maldonado accepted the loss for Bethune-Cookman, lowering his record to 5-2 for the year. In receiving his first league defeat of the season, the West Palm Beach, Florida native went five innings on the hill, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits. He struck out six batters and walked three.
 
The Wildcats were led at the dish by Lao with two hits in four trips, adding a RBI in the process.
 
Bethune-Cookman will look to try and win the series on Saturday as the two teams meet for a doubleheader back at Moore-Kittles Field beginning at 1 p.m.
 
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