Box Score DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – USF scored six runs in the third inning and used solid pitching to run away from Bethune-Cookman, 16-1 in non-conference midweek baseball action Wednesday evening at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The loss is the third on the spin for Bethune-Cookman.
 
Bethune-Cookman (3-7) used seven pitchers on the night in attempts to slow down a rampant offensive attack from the visiting Bulls of USF.
 
USF (4-4) scored two runs in the opening half-inning on BCU sophomore pitcher Isaak Gutierrez, making his first collegiate start.
 
The second inning proved to be the big blow as the Bulls exploded for six runs, including a Tyler Dietrich bases-clearing double to left center that scored three runs.
 
After the Bulls added a run in the fourth courtesy David Villar's leadoff homer to center field, BCU was finally able to get on the board in the home-half of the frame.
 
Senior third baseman Jameel Edney reached base safely on a fielder's choice, eventually coming around to score two plays later off the end of a Nate Sterijevski RBI single to center. That cut into the BCU deficit, 9-1.
 
But it would be USF adding two more runs in the fifth off the strength of Kyle Phillips' two-run homer – his first of the season, as well as another run in the sixth to add to the Bulls lead, 12-1.
 
USF tacked on another four insurance runs in the ninth inning as shortstop Nate Sterijevki saw his first pitching action of the year to close out the contest on the hill for the Maroon and Gold. Freshman Dalton Mauldin began the frame on the bump for the Wildcats before being relieved by Sterijevski.
 
The win went to USF starter Baron Stuart (1-0) as he worked five innings, allowing just the one run on four hits, a walk and a strikeout. Gutierrez (0-1) was tagged with the loss in three innings on the rubber, giving up eight runs (five earned) on seven hits, three walks and collecting two strikeouts.
 
BCU was led at the plate by seven players grabbing a hit each, while it was Sterijevski supplying the lone RBI of the game.
 
Bethune-Cookman begins a three-game non-conference series with Florida Gulf Coast on Friday, March 2, at Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. First pitch for Friday's game is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
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