BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Arkansas-Pine Bluff erased a late deficit with a seven-run eighth inning to defeat Bethune-Cookman 13-8 on Friday morning at Rickwood Field in the SWAC Tournament. The Wildcats end the season two wins shy of 40 for the season, winning just one postseason game for the first time since joining the SWAC.
The Golden Lions struck first in the opening inning. Zach Wieder and Aaron Grant opened the game with consecutive singles before Nick Hockemeyer drew a bases-loaded walk to give Arkansas-Pine Bluff a 1-0 lead.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff added to its advantage in the fourth inning. Zyon Hamilton doubled down the left field line to drive in a run before Konner Giddley added a sacrifice bunt to extend the lead to 3-0.
Bethune-Cookman answered in the bottom half of the fourth. Michael Rodriguez reached after being hit by a pitch before Jose Fernandez and Erick Almonte delivered consecutive singles. Jeter Polledo then lined an RBI single through the left side to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The Wildcats took control with a six-run sixth inning. Polledo opened the rally with an RBI double to tie the game before Christopher Watson followed with a two-run single up the middle to give Bethune-Cookman a 5-3 lead. Later in the inning, Andrey Martinez delivered a two-run single through the left side and Michael Rodriguez added an RBI single to cap the outburst and push the lead to 8-3.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff began to rally in the seventh inning. Aaron Grant and Lazaro Alvarado each delivered RBI doubles to trim the deficit to 8-6.
The Golden Lions completed the comeback with a seven-run eighth inning. Jose Vasquez tied the game with a two-RBI double before Weston Gingerich followed with an RBI single to give Arkansas-Pine Bluff a 9-8 advantage. Later in the inning, Zyon Hamilton delivered a two-run single and Vinny Saumell added a two-run single to extend the lead to 13-8.
Bethune-Cookman was unable to answer over the final two innings as Arkansas-Pine Bluff closed out the victory.
Brendan Hamlin earned the win in relief for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, while Pablo Torres was charged with the loss for Bethune-Cookman.
- Andrey Martinez recorded two his and two RBI in his final game as a Wildcat.
- Jeter Polledo went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
- All nine UAPB starters recorded at least one RBI.
- The Golden Lions out-hit Bethune-Cookman 17-10.
- The Wildcats were 34-2 this season when leading after seven innings prior to this game.
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