DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Florida A&M grabbed an early lead and used three home runs to finish off a 9-1 victory over Bethune-Cookman at Sunnyland Park.

Florida A&M (17-14, 8-2 SWAC) struck quickly in the opening inning, drawing three walks and stringing together consecutive RBI hits from Samantha Smith and Mikayla Register to take a 3-0 lead.

The Rattlers broke the game open in the second inning. A three-run home run by Keeleigh Spooner highlighted a four-run frame, and an RBI double by Smith later in the inning extended the advantage to 7-0.

Bethune-Cookman (10-22, 6-4 SWAC) answered with its lone run in the bottom of the second. A leadoff double from Jessica Alaan eventually led to an RBI groundout by Jasmine Manebo to make it 7-1.

Florida A&M added to its lead in the fourth inning with back-to-back solo home runs, pushing the margin to 9-1.

Bethune-Cookman threatened in the third and fourth innings, placing runners in scoring position both times, but was unable to capitalize. The Wildcats were held scoreless over the final three innings.

Florida A&M retired the final six Bethune-Cookman hitters to secure the run-rule victory.

The Wildcats finish the series tomorrow with a double-header, beginning at 1 p.m.



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