Bethune-Cookman baseball won against Florida A&M, 4-3, at Moore-Kittles Field on Apr. 24 after coming back from an early three-run deficit. Pablo Torres pitched the final innings without allowing a run to secure the victory for the Wildcats.
The result is significant as it gives Bethune-Cookman (30-12, 16-3) a win in the first game of their series against Florida A&M (20-18, 15-4), with both teams competing for position in conference standings.
Florida A&M started strong with three runs in the first inning through hits by Jay Campbell and Matthew Perez. The Wildcats responded in the second and fourth innings, with Erick Almonte scoring twice and Jorge Rodriguez driving in two runs to close the gap. In the seventh inning, Michael Rodriguez singled home two runs to give Bethune-Cookman its first lead of the game.
Torres entered during a critical moment in the bottom of the seventh when Florida A&M loaded the bases but failed to score as Torres recorded a strikeout. He finished with three strikeouts over 2.1 scoreless innings for his third save of the season. Edwin Sanchez was credited with the win after pitching nearly seven innings and striking out six batters.
Michael Rodriguez led Bethune-Cookman offensively with two hits while Almonte added a double and scored twice. Despite being out-hit by Florida A&M nine to eight, Bethune-Cookman’s timely hitting and relief pitching proved decisive.
The teams will continue their series tomorrow afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field.
