Bethune-Cookman University’s softball team lost its season opener to Illinois State, with a final score of 10-1 on Thursday afternoon in Tampa.
Freshman pitcher Mia Gonzalez started for Bethune-Cookman and pitched a scoreless first inning, recording two strikeouts and allowing no hits. In the bottom of the first, Bethune-Cookman managed to get runners on base through a hit by pitch and a walk but did not score.
Illinois State began scoring in the second inning after Hannah Meshnick hit a home run to right-center field, putting her team ahead 2-0. Bethune-Cookman loaded the bases in their half of the second inning, with Aysiah Gonzalez getting the team’s first hit of the season. However, Illinois State’s Meshnick recorded an out and a strikeout to end the threat.
Illinois State extended its lead in the third inning by scoring four more runs. The Wildcats committed two errors during this frame. Bethune-Cookman’s only run came in the bottom of the third when Arianna Reynolds drove in Janel Morrisey.
The Red Birds continued adding runs throughout the game while Bethune-Cookman was unable to close the gap. The Wildcats finished with six hits compared to Illinois State’s twelve.
Bethune-Cookman is scheduled to play against Kansas at 9 a.m. Friday morning before facing Michigan at 12:30 p.m.
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