DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — FGCU used a big early offensive surge and a 19-hit performance to defeat Bethune-Cookman 13-5 on Saturday evening at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
The Eagles (12-3) jumped in front in the first inning and broke the game open with four runs in the second. Javier Gorostola highlighted the inning with a three-run home run to left-center field that pushed FGCU's lead to 5-0.
Bethune-Cookman (9-6) broke through in the fifth inning. Sergio Rivera singled and later scored on a two-run triple by Jeter Polledo to right field. Polledo later came home on a throwing error to trim the deficit to 7-3.
FGCU added two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth to extend the advantage to 10-3 before a three-run homer from Jon Embury in the seventh inning put the game out of reach at 13-3.
Embry paced the Eagles' offense with four hits, including a home run and a double, while driving in four runs and scoring four times. Gorostola also drove in four runs, finishing with two hits including his second-inning homer. Jaret Nelson collected three hits and an RBI, while Drew Seidel added two hits and scored twice.
Chris Diaz (2-0) earned the win for FGCU, allowing three runs, two earned, on three hits over six innings while striking out three.
Polledo led the Wildcats offensively with two hits, including a double and triple, and two RBIs. Michael Rodriguez and Rivera each added a hit and scored a run, while Ruben Zuany drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.
Edwin Sanchez (3-1) took the loss for Bethune-Cookman after allowing five runs on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings.
FGCU finished with 19 hits in the contest, while Bethune-Cookman totaled six.
- Jeter Podello finished 2-for-5 with a double, a triple, and two RBI. He has hit three triples in the series.
- Edwin Sanchez allowed more earned runs in 1.2 innings tonight (5) than he did his previous 18.0 innings (1).
- Seven Eagles recorded multi-hit games.
- Jon Embury and Javier Gorostola each collected four RBI.
The WIldcats will close out the series with FGCU Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
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