BOCA RATON, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman Baseball received two hits on the night from Ian Claudio and Zach Spivey, but it was just short for the Wildcats as they fall to No. 25 Florida Atlantic by a score of 14-2 in non-conference midweek action Tuesday at FAU Baseball Stadium.
 
After falling behind in the opening inning, Bethune-Cookman (14-23) tied things up in the top of the third.
 
Ian Claudio registered the first of his team-high matching two hits to begin the frame. Redshirt senior outfielder Kyle Corbin walked and classmate Jameel Edney singled to left in order to score Claudio and knot the game at 1-all.
 
UCF (27-9), debuting in this week's collegiate baseball Top 25 polls, would answer in the bottom of the inning to reclaim the lead with a pair of runs.
 
UCF led 3-1 after three innings complete.
 
BCU would chip into the lead in the top-half of the fourth as designated hitter Clarence Carter drove a sacrifice fly to left in order to allow the speedy Zach Spivey to score from third. The junior centerfielder began the inning with a single to right field, later working his way into scoring position on an error by Knights right fielder David Miranda.
 
With BCU trailing 3-2 midway through the fourth, the homestanding Owls expanded the lead courtesy a two-run double from leadoff man Tyler Frank.
 
The Owls, representing the second Top 30 team the Maroon and Gold has faced on the year, would add eight runs in the seventh and another run in the eighth in order to complete the 14-2 decision.
 
The win was picked up by Jordan Poore (1-0) as he worked the minimum four complete innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, a walk and registering three strikeouts. The loss was accepted by BCU senior right-hander Alexis Herrera (2-5), as he went 5.2 innings on the bump, giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks.
 
Claudio and Spivey each charged the BCU bats with two hits apiece, respectfully.
 
Bethune-Cookman has little time to think about the loss to Florida Atlantic as the Wildcats continue their midweek road stand Wednesday evening when the Wildcats travel to UCF in Orlando, Florida. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
 
Bethune-Cookman Baseball on Twitter (@BCUDiamondCats) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).