PINE BLUFF, Ark.- A late change in starting pitcher derailed the Wildcats as they dropped their first-ever series at Arkansas - Pine Bluff with a 8-5 loss in game two, Saturday afternoon at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex
After Bethune-Cookman (25-19, 16-4 SWAC) starter
Joel Core was scratched from his usual Saturday starting spot,
Brandon Vazquez was forced into the role on short notice.
B-CU nearly crossed the plate in the first, but
Darryl Lee was caught at home attempting to score on a
Jorge Rodriguez double.
UAPB (12-28, 10-6 SWAC) capitalized on the late starter change with four first-inning runs on three hits including a two-RBI double as the Golden Lions went up 4-0.
The Wildcats were able to respond in the second as
Reinaldo Plascencia doubled to start the frame and came around to score on a sacrifice fly by
Daniel Figueroa.
Sergio Rivera came in to score one batter later on a balk to cut the deficit to 4-2.
The Golden Lions took those runs back in the third, taking advantage of a B-CU throwing error that scored two to make it 6-2.
Each side traded a run in the fourth, B-CU scoring as
Jesus Vanegas scored on a wild pitch, UAPB matching with a bases-loaded walk to stay in front, 7-3.
The Golden Lions added their eighth run of the game in the seventh with a two-out RBI double.
The Wildcats scored runs in the eighth and the ninth to attempt to rally back into the game, with
Jeter Polledo collecting an RBI and Rodriguez matching with a solo homer, but that was all as the Cats fell, 8-5.
Brandon Vazquez dropped to 0-4 on the year after less than an inning of work on the mound in which he alloed four runs - only one earned, on three hits and a walk.
Robert Lastra was solid in relief, working five innings allowing only one run on two hits with three walks.
- B-CU struck out eight times to six walks on the game.
- The Wildcats stranded nine runners on base.
- Jeter Polledo has recorded a base hit in 11 straight games, the longest streak by a Wildcat this season.
The Wildcats will look to salvage a win in game three of the series with a start time of 2 p.m. EST Sunday.
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--#HailWildcats--
