Bethune-Cookman Falls to Mercer, 8-3
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Nathan Bond was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate Saturday, but it was not enough to overcome a strong Mercer pitching performance as a staff, as Bethune-Cookman dropped the second game of a three-game set against the Bears by a score of 8-3 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. With the win, Mercer claimed the series after collecting a 3-2 decision in last night’s home-opener for the Wildcats.
Byron Ferguson, a junior pitcher from Nassau, Bahamas, looked sharp in his season debut, working 2 1/3 innings in relief, striking out three, walking one and not allowing a single hit. Juan Pizarro toed the mound the final two frames for the Cats, spreading out two hits and striking out one.
Bethune-Cookman was led at the plate by Bond’s 4-for-4 day, adding a RBI. He was followed by designated hitter Jordan Robinson with a pair of hits in four trips.
The Wildcats will look to snap their current seven-game skid – dating back to last year, in the series finale against the Bears on Sunday at noon, back at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
For complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com
Hawks Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Navy
KINSTON, N.C. - A seven inning contest wound up taking ten innings as sophomore pitcher Jesse Stinnett and junior pitcher J.P. Black (Elkton, Md.) battled tough to hold Navy at bay until the Hawks mustered three runs to win the first game of a doubleheader, 3-0, in Kinston, North Carolina earlier today. A Midshipmen pitcher returned the favor in game two, holding the Hawks offense while Navy earned a 5-0 victory to force a series split.
Junior Devin Repine came on to earn the save and seal the victory. After giving up a single and a walk, he would induce a double play to give the Hawks its first win of the young season.
In Game two, UMES looked to senior Jordan Bone as they attempted to sweep the Midshipmen. He would hold Navy scoreless in the first two frames, but a four run, five hit deluge in the third gave the Mids a 4-0 lead.
In addition to the Hawks' tenth inning rally in game one, senior Joshua James and sophomores Justin Dattilo and Troy Anderson each collected hits for UMES. Black earned the win in the first game, while Bone took the loss in game two.
The rubber game in this three game series will be held at noon at Kinston High School. Junior Tanner Whiteman is scheduled to start for UMES while George Coughlin will start for Navy.
Coppin takes on Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Coppin State’s Jeffrey Fitch, Jack Kraft, Randal Mendez and Alex Brown all had hits in each game of a doubleheader setback to Jacksonville in its season-opening series at Sessions Stadium Saturday afternoon.
All four players mentioned above along with Bryant Miranda all singled during a 16-0 defeat in the first game against the Dolphins. However, the Eagles found their groove at the plate in the nightcap, pounding out 10 hits in an 8-4 loss.
The Eagles and Dolphins conclude the weekend set Sunday with a nine-inning single game starting at 1:00 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.coppinstatesports.com
Florida A&M Drops Doubleheader At Alabama State, 3-11 & 1-7
Montgomery, Ala. – Florida A&M (1-4) dropped both doubleheader games, 3-11 and 1-7 to Alabama State (3-3) at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex on Saturday. The Rattler defense turned 3 double plays in game one while Alec Wong went 2-for-5 with two doubles. Ryan Kennedy belted his first home run and had two RBIs. FAMU’s offense never could get going on the afternoon.
Wong had three doubles on the afternoon while going 3-for-8 and two runs scored.
In game two of the doubleheader, Hornet starter TJ Renda (1-1) earned the game one win for ASU after working six innings, allowing three runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. Joseph Camacho (2-0) got the win in game two for ASU. Camacho struck out eight in 6.2 innings and only allowed one run, on three hits with one walk.
Florida A&M and Alabama State will close out the three game series on Sunday at 2:00 ET. RHP David Ogilvie (0-1) will take the mound for the Rattlers and face the Hornets RHP Charles Taylor (0-1).
For complete story, visit www.famuathletics.com