DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Christopher Patterson and Irvin Escobar each had three hits, but Bethune-Cookman saw a 5-0 fade lead  on a blustery February night as Youngstown State posted a 7-6 decision Saturday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The Penguins tied the opening weekend series. Game three is Sunday at noon.

With wind playing havoc on both sides, Bethune-Cookman jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings before the Penguins scored two in the third and five in the fourth, capitalizing on six B-CU errors.

B-CU was the first to capitalize, putting up a five-spot in the second.

Brian Perez scored on a fielder's choice. Irvin Escobar on a wild pitch, Matthew Garcia and Colton Olasin scored when Patterson's single ricocheted off the pitcher's shin. Patterson completed the scoring when Coby Tweten doubled to left.  

The Wildcats closed to 7-6 in the seventh when Franki Febles doubled, advanced to third on a fielder's choice and scoring on a wild pitch.

Nolan Santos gave up just one hit in five and one innings for B-CU, walking one and striking out five. Malik Stephens added two hits.

The Wildcats were charged with six errors on a windy night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Wildcats head coach Jonathan Hernandez made no excuses after the game.

"I tell our guys, we pride ourselves on pitching and defense," Hernandez said." If you take away those six errors, it's probably a different result. We've practice in this weather for the last three weeks - it's expected."

Coach Hernandez was pleased with the offensive efforts on the night.

"We got their starter out in two innings. That's a big thing for us," Hernandez said. "We feel confident going into tomorrow."

B-CU will look to take the series win tomorrow at noon.


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