Jose Fernandez hit a grand slam in the first inning to help the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats defeat Florida A&M 10-4 at Moore-Kittles Field, according to an April 25 report. The game included a weather delay of nearly two hours, but Bethune-Cookman maintained its momentum and secured a series victory.
The result is significant for Bethune-Cookman (30-12, 16-3), as they took control early by loading the bases without recording a hit. Erick Almonte walked to bring in the first run before Fernandez’s grand slam made it 5-0. Darryl Lee added to the lead with a triple in the second inning and scored on Andrey Martinez’s sacrifice fly.
Florida A&M (20-19, 15-5) responded with runs in multiple innings but could not overcome the early deficit. Jackson McKenzie hit a solo home run for Florida A&M’s first score, while Matthew Perez later scored on an error. The Wildcats’ offense continued with Fernandez hitting an RBI double and Michael Rodriguez contributing three hits and two runs batted in.
Bethune-Cookman’s pitching was led by Harbersting Abreu, who allowed two runs over five innings and recorded four strikeouts for his third win of the season. Anthony Anselmo pitched two shutout innings in relief with two strikeouts.
Despite being out-hit by Florida A&M (11 hits to Bethune-Cookman’s 10), key plays gave Bethune-Cookman control throughout most of the game. The Wildcats aim for a series sweep when they return for game three Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
