A seven-run explosion in the seventh inning proved to be the difference as Bethune-Cookman delivered one of its biggest wins of the season, knocking off No. 7 Florida 13–7.
The Wildcats wasted no time setting the tone offensively, jumping on Florida’s pitching early and consistently applying pressure throughout the game. Their aggressive approach at the plate paid off, as Bethune-Cookman produced runs in multiple innings and never allowed the Gators to fully settle in.
Florida, known for its depth and power, responded with flashes of offense but couldn’t keep pace. Each time the Gators threatened, the Wildcats answered with timely hitting and key defensive stops to halt momentum.
Bethune-Cookman struck first when Andrey Martinez launched a solo home run to give the Wildcats a 1–0 lead. Florida responded in the bottom of the inning, as Cade Kurland delivered an RBI single to even the score at 1–1.
The Wildcats regained control in the second inning, taking a 3–1 lead on back-to-back RBI hits from Darryl Lee and Martinez. Kyle Jones’ sacrifice fly in the bottom half trimmed the lead to 3–2.
Jose Fernandez extended the advantage to 4–2 with a leadoff home run in the fourth, and Jeter Polledo added a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 5–2.
Florida answered with a three-run sixth inning to tie the game at 5–5, setting the stage for Bethune-Cookman’s निर्णtive seventh.
The Wildcats broke the game open with seven runs in the top of the inning, surging ahead 12–5. Florida managed to chip away with a sacrifice fly and an RBI double to cut the deficit to 12–7 after seven innings, but that was as close as it would get.
Darryl Lee added a solo home run in the ninth to extend the lead to 13–7, and reliever Justin Morales shut the door in the bottom half to secure the victory.
Martinez led the way offensively, going 3-for-6 with a home run, two doubles, and four RBIs. Lee also had a big night, finishing 3-for-6 with a home run and three RBIs. Reliever Anthony Anselmo (2–1) earned the win.
The victory marked Bethune-Cookman’s first win over Florida since 2000 and their second straight over a ranked opponent, following a 10–7 win over No. 24 LSU on April 7.
Bethune-Cookman returns to action Friday evening, opening a three-game home series against Alabama A&M.
