DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman took advantage of its offensive opportunities Saturday, surging past the Tigers 13-2 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Bethune-Cookman (18-9, 7-1) got the scoring started in the first, with Darryl Lee recording an RBI single to give the Wildcats the early lead. Maikol Lucena then hit a sac fly followed by another run on a double steal attempt, extending B-CU's lead to 3-0.
Jackson State (13-15, 4-4) responded with two runs of in the top of the second. The Tigers scored on two ground ball and took advantage of a B-CU error to plate an unearned run. The Wildcat lead was trimmed to 3-2.
The B-CU offense would continue to roll, scoring runs in each of the next three innings. Lucena, Erick Almonte, and Michael Rodriguez all recorded RBI knocks, while an error by JSU's left fielder allowed another run to score. After four innings, the Wildcats led 8-2.
Bethune-Cookman would finish off the Tigers in the sixth inning, managing five runs to put the game out of reach. The Wildcats had just one hit in the inning, an RBI single by Sergio Rivera. They took advantage of wild Jackson State pitching to secure the win.
Despite starting pitcher Edwin Sanchez exiting early in the game, the Wildcats received an excellent performance from the bullpen. Michael Bennedict in particular allowed just one run in five innings of work, picking up his second win of the season.
- Seven Wildcat hitters drove in a run. Michael Rodriguez led the way, going 2-for-3 with a triple and a season-high three RBI.
- B-CU finished with 11 hits and just five runners left on base.
- JSU pitchers hit five batters, including four in the sixth inning alone.
- Michael Bennedict worked five innings, allowing just one run to earn the win.
The rubber match of the series begins tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
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--#HailWildcats--
