JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning, but Jacksonville pushed a run across in the bottom half to hand the Wildcats a 4-3 loss Tuesday night. The two teams combined for eight errors in the game, and all seven of the runs were unearned.
Jacksonville (12-13) took advantage of early defensive miscues to grab a 2-0 lead in the first inning. After an error extended the frame, the Dolphins delivered back-to-back RBI hits by Sam Grunberg and Conner Spelman. to plate two unearned runs.
The Dolphins added to their lead in the fifth without recording a hit, using a walk, a stolen base, and a pair of Bethune-Cookman errors to push the margin to 3-0.
Bethune-Cookman (17-8) was held scoreless through the first six innings before breaking through in the seventh. An error put the leadoff runner aboard before a groundout by Erick Almonte brought home the Wildcats' first run. Later in the inning, another defensive miscue and a wild pitch set up a two-run single by Jeter Polledo that tied the game at 3-3.
Jacksonville answered immediately in the bottom half. A leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt moved the go-ahead run into scoring position before a Bethune-Cookman error allowed the run to score, giving the Dolphins a 4-3 advantage.
The Wildcats threatened late, putting runners on in both the eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to capitalize as Jacksonville closed out the one-run victory.
- The two teams combined for as many hits (8) as errors (8).
- Jeter Polledo finished with three of the Wildcats' four hits while also driving in two runners.
- Jose Fernandez had a base hit and a walk.
- B-CU and JU combined to use 15 pitchers, none of whom allowed an earned run.
Another weekend SWAC series awaits the Wildcats, this time at home against the Jackson State Tigers. The three-game set begins Friday night at 7 p.m. from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
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