N.C. Central Rides Big Second Inning to Win over Longwood

FARMVILLE, Va. – North Carolina Central University struck for five runs in the second inning to break a four-game losing streak in a 7-4 win over Longwood University at Bolding Stadium on Tuesday, April 5.

After seeing the opposition jump on the board with a big number early, NCCU (14-17) got back to being the club in the driver’s seat after posting five runs in the second inning to take a 5-0 lead.

James Dey pitched two and two-thirds of an inning without giving up a hit, and allowed just two walks with three strikeouts to allow Justice Sampson to come in for the final out.  Sampson needed just four pitches to entice a ground ball back to the mound, and he picked up his fourth save of the season.

The Eagles return home to the Durham Athletic Park on Wednesday, April 6 to take on Virginia State University,

For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com

Wildcats Drop Midweek Game At North Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida scored four runs in the fifth inning on Tuesday evening, as the host Ospreys defeated Bethune-Cookman, 12-6 in non-conference baseball action at Harmon Stadium. In the win, UNF takes the midweek series against the Wildcats by winning two-of-three games on the campaign.

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning, North Florida (18-12) plated four runs in the half-inning stretch to take its first lead of the game – a lead it would never relinquish.

The win was collected by UNF’s Alex Smith (1-0) out of the bullpen, working in relief of starter Matt Vaka who tossed just two innings on the night. Smith worked 3.2 frames, scattering two hits and striking out five batters.

The loss went to Juan Pizarro (1-2) for Bethune-Cookman. The redshirt senior right-hander from Puerto Rico was tagged for seven runs (five earned) on six hits, three walks and four strikeouts in 4.2 innings on the hill.

The UNF offense was led by catcher Keith Skinner with three hits in five at-bats, followed by Alex Merritt with a perfect 2-for-2 showing at the plate. Merritt added two runs driven in, while scoring three times himself.

B-CU was paced offensively by Nathan Bond’s 4-for-5 night, plating a pair of runs in the process. Danny Rodriguez added a 3-for-4 night with a RBI and two runs scored.

Bethune-Cookman returns to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play this weekend, hosting Savannah State for a three-game stretch at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex in Ormond Beach, Florida. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m.

For complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com