The FGCU baseball team (2-1) opened the new season with a series victory after defeating Bethune-Cookman (1-2) 12-5 in Sunday's finale at Swanson Stadium.
The Eagles got to work early, scoring a pair of runs in the second thanks to another home run from Jay Hayes. The senior has only played in two games thus far but is currently 5-for-8 with three home runs, six runs scored and a whopping nine RBIs.
Bethune-Cookman fought back with a three-run fifth inning and added an additional tally in the top of the sixth to move ahead 4-3. The Eagles went back to work after that, however, plating five runs in the home half of the sixth and four in the seventh to complete the scoring. The FGCU pitching staff shut down the visitors the rest of the way, allowing just one run across the final three frames.
"Our bats have been extremely productive these last two days," FGCU coach Dave Tollett said. "Our 1-2-3 hitters were absolutely awesome today, and we got another big performance from the freshman Joe Kinker. (Richie) Garcia, (Alex) Brait and (Marc) Coffers are our leaders. They have been here awhile, and they did an awesome job of getting this thing going for us."
Junior Marc Coffers had a strong day at the dish, finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored. Junior Richie Garcia and true freshman Joe Kinker both had three hits, and the duo combined for two RBIs and two runs scored. Junior Alex Brait was 2-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored.
Junior Trey Vickery (1-0) made his first appearance on the mound this season and earned the win after allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in 2.0 innings of relief. Junior Mason Studstill took the ball first and lasted 4.0 innings. He earned a no-decision after conceding two unearned runs on two hits, while striking out four and walking one.
Junior Keegan Collett and sophomore Gus Carter combined to throw the final 3.0 frames. They were lights out, allowing no hits and just one combined walk, while striking out three.
FGCU outhit BCU 14-7, and the Eagles have now won their opening series each of the last three years.
Joseph Fernando was the lone Wildcat with multiple hits, as he finished 2-for-4 with a run. Over Torres drove in a pair of teammates, and Josten Heron scored twice.
Tyler Krull lasted 5.0 innings for Bethune-Cookman and made his exit after conceding three runs on five hits. Jordan Pinto (1-1) suffered the loss after giving up seven runs on seven hits in 1.1 frames.
Up Next:
The Eagles now prepare for a Monday clash with Big Ten Conference power Ohio State. FGCU will welcome the Buckeyes at 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at Swanson Stadium. OSU (3-0) qualified for an NCAA Championship Regional last season and is undefeated this year after sweeping Seton Hall to open the new campaign.
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