DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman's hopes of the SWAC East's will have to wait for Saturday as the Wildcats dropped game two of three to Alabama State, 7-2, Friday night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The winner of Saturday's regular season finale will take the SWAC's No. 2 seed ahead of the conference tournament next week in Atlanta. 



Alabama State (28-24, 18-11 SWAC) crossed the plate first with a pair of runs in the top of the second, using a walk and two RBI singles to jump in front, 2-0. 

The Hornets added two more in the third on an RBI single and groundout, and two more in the fourth on another RBI single and a wild pitch to make it six unanswered on the board. 

Bethune-Cookman (28-24, 18-11 SWAC) finally put up a run in the bottom half of the fourth on an RBI double from Jose Gonzalez, scoring Garrett Chun from second to make it 6-1.

B-CU made it a 6-2 game in the bottom of the sixth as the Cats put runners on second and third with just one out. As the Hornets turned to the bullpen, Sergio Rivera grounded out to score Olasin before a flyout prevented further damage. 

Alabama State chipped in an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI groundout to o in front, 7-2. 

The Wildcats managed just one more baserunner through the final three frames as Alabama State's bullpen held firm for the 7-2 win. 

Marcos Famboa made the start, allowing six runs - all earned - on five hits with three walks and a strikeout in 3.1 innings. 

Joel Core worked 4.2 innings of scoreless ball, allowing only three hits and two walks. Yoansell Diaz allowed one earned run with two strikeouts and a walk in one inning of work.

• The Wildcats must win Saturday to clinch the No. 2 seed in the SWAC East ahead of the conference tournament. 
• Daniel Figueroa was responsible for two of five B-CU hits on the night. 
• The Wildcats walked only once to nine strikeouts on the night. 

The Wildcats will close out the regular season with senior day, as six Wildcats will be honored for their contributions to Bethune-Cookman baseball Saturday. First pitch has been moved up to noon, with the senior day ceremony set to begin at 11:40 a.m. 

Saturday's game will be broadcast live on Youtube.com/Cateyenetwork, with audio available on Daytona Beach radio airwaves at 1380 WELE. 


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--#HailWildcats--