TAMPA — Despite a slow start offensively, the Wildcats exploded in the fifth inning for six runs on their way to a 6-5 victory at USF Baseball Stadium.
South Florida (22-7, 3-3) got on the board first in the opening frame. After a leadoff double by Ryan Pruitt, Matt Rose came through with an RBI single to give the Bulls the early 1-0 lead.
Bethune-Cookman (20-9, 8-1) was unable to generate much offense against USF starter Dominic Pontbriant, managing just one hit during the first four innings.
The Wildcats finally broke through with six runs on five hits during a wild fifth inning. Jeter Polledo led off the inning with a double to left center and was later driven home on an RBI fielder's choice by Jose Fernandez. And after a USF error allowed a runner to move over to third, Michael Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to give B-CU a 2-1 advantage. Christopher Watson continued the rally with an RBI single for the team's third run.
Erick Almonte appeared to drive in another run on a squeeze play, but he was called out on runner's interference, forcing the runner to head back to third base. However, the run would later score anyway on a wild pitch. Andrey Martinez then belted a two-RBI single to put the Wildcats ahead 6-1.
B-CU threatened in the sixth with runners on the corners but failed to score after the runner at third was picked off on a double-steal attempt.
The Bulls trimmed into the deficit in the bottom of the inning, taking advantage of multiple defensive miscues by the Wildcats. Lance Trippel made B-CU pay with a two-RBI double to make it 6-3.
USF attempted to rally in the ninth inning. They led off with a triple before Jackson Geiger managed a pinch-hit RBI single. The Bulls were able to load the bases and score another run on a groundout. But Pablo Torres struck out Bradke Lohry to end the threat and finish off the win.
Anthony Anselmo put together an outstanding outing out of the bullpen to pick up the win. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just three earned runs on five hits with four strikeouts.
B-CU remains on the road this weekend as they ready for another SWAC series against the Southern Jaguars. The three-game set begins Friday at 7 p.m.
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--#HailWildcats--
