TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman baseball recovered from an early three-run deficit to take game one against Florida A&M, 4-3, at Moore-Kittles Field. After taking a one-run lead late, Pablo Torres prevented any hopes of a Rattler comeback, tossing 2.1 shutout innings to earn the save.

Florida A&M (20-18, 15-4) wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. After back-to-back singles to open the frame, Jay Campbell delivered a two-RBI double to center field. Matthew Perez followed with an RBI single to give the Rattlers a 3-0 lead.

The Wildcats (30-12, 16-3) responded in the second inning. Erick Almonte worked a leadoff walk and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Rodriguez to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Bethune-Cookman continued to chip away in the fourth. Almonte doubled to left field and came around to score on an RBI single from Rodriguez, trimming the lead to 3-2.

Both teams were held scoreless until the seventh inning when the Wildcats took the lead. After a pair of walks put runners on base, a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. Michael Rodriguez then reached on a fielding error, allowing two runs to score and giving B-CU a 4-3 advantage.

Florida A&M threatened in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but Pablo Torres came on in relief and recorded a strikeout to escape the jam and preserve the lead.

The Rattlers would not get another scoring opportunity as Torres closed out the final two innings for his third save. Edwin Sanchez picked up the win after tossing 6.2 innings, while Caleb Granger was charged with the loss.

• Michael Rodriguez led the Wildcats with two hits.
• Erick Almonte scored a team-high two runs and added a double.
• Jorge Rodriguez drove in two runs, accounting for half of B-CU's offense.
• Edwin Sanchez earned the win, allowing three runs over 6.2 innings with six strikeouts.
• Pablo Torres recorded the save, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
• Bethune-Cookman drew four walks in the game.
• Florida A&M out-hit the Wildcats 9-8.

The Wildcats will look to take the series tomorrow afternoon, as game two against the Rattlers begins at 2 p.m. EST.
 

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