DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Sergio Rivera's go-ahead two run homer in the sixth inning proved to be the difference in a narrow 5-4 Wildcats' victory over Jackson State at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. B-CU hit three home runs, including one inside the park home run, to take game three and win the series.
Bethune-Cookman (19-9, 8-1) led off the game with a bang as Erick Almonte hit a ball past the outstretched glove of the JSU right fielder and hustled all the way home for an inside the park home run. It was Almonte's first home run of the season and it gave the Wildcats the early 1-0 lead.
After a few scoreless innings, Jackson State (13-16, 4-5) tied the game in the fourth inning on an RBI double by Pierre Cabral.
In the fifth, Andrey Martinez hammered a no-doubt two-run homer to left field to regain the advantage for B-CU.
The Tigers would quickly fight back in the sixth, using three singles to drive in four runs and take a narrow 4-3 lead.
The Wildcats would take the lead for good in the seventh. After Michael Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to start the inning, Sergio Rivera crushed another no-doubt home run to left field to give B-CU the 5-4 lead.
Justin Morales pitched the final 3.2 for the Wildcats, allowing no runs on just one hit despite some issues with command. He earned his second win of the season.
- Erick Almonte hit the Wildcats' first inside-the-park home run of the season.
- B-CU hit three home runs in a single game for the second time this season.
- JSU starter Jayden Lopez threw 117 pitches in the loss.
- Justin Morales pitched 3.2 shutout innings. He has not allowed a run since his return from the World Baseball Classic.
Bethune-Cookman travels to Tampa for a rematch with the South Florida Bulls. First pitch Tuesday night is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Bethune-Cookman Baseball on Twitter/X and Instagram (@BCUDiamondCats) and for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics) and www.bcuathletics.com.
--#HailWildcats--
