Bethune-Cookman defeated Alabama A&M 13-5 in five innings at Sunnyland Park, according to an April 24 announcement. The Wildcats secured the win by scoring eight runs in the fourth inning, sending twelve batters to the plate and pulling away from the Bulldogs.
The game began with Alabama A&M taking an early lead in the first inning. After a hit batter and a sacrifice bunt moved a runner into scoring position, Kali Austerman hit a two-run home run to left field, giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage.
Bethune-Cookman responded in their half of the first inning when Emma Bradley-Tse led off with a single and later scored on a fielding error, reducing the deficit to one run. The score remained close until the third inning when Bethune-Cookman loaded the bases and capitalized with key hits, including a two-RBI single from Jessica Alaan and an RBI hit by Alana Cypress. Arianna Reynolds contributed with a sacrifice fly as Bethune-Cookman scored four runs to take control of the game at 5-2.
The Wildcats extended their lead significantly in the fourth inning by taking advantage of several miscues and wild pitches from Alabama A&M. Timely hits from Zariah Billinger, Reynolds, and Cypress helped Bethune-Cookman score eight more runs for a commanding 13-2 lead.
Alabama A&M attempted to rally in the fifth inning by loading the bases and scoring three runs on consecutive RBI singles from Mariah Solorio and Kaylee Tatum along with a walk. However, they were unable to overcome Bethune-Cookman’s lead as Mia Gonzalez earned the win for Bethune-Cookman while Josefina Lacalle took the loss for Alabama A&M.
Bethune-Cookman is scheduled to play its final two games of the regular season tomorrow afternoon with first pitch set for 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
