Box Score (PDF)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A combination of three Bethune-Cookman (9-12) pitchers limited the potent North Florida (13-10) offense to a season-low four hits in a 4-1 setback at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Wildcats even the non-conference, midweek series at one with the deciding game scheduled for April 5 in Jacksonville.
Bethune-Cookman starting pitcher, Juan Pizzaro had arguably his best start of the season, pitching into the seventh inning and allowing only one Osprey hit. He tossed 86 pitches, walked three and struck out two. Pizzaro was the pitcher of record in last week's 13-1 loss to the Ospreys. North Florida scored five runs on five hits in just 1.2 innings in last Tuesday's loss.
The Wildcat offense was supplied by Michael Cruz who went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two runs scored and three RBIs. He went deep in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the home team a 2-0 advantage and then again with a two-run shot in the eighth to give Bethune-Cookman a 4-1 cushion going into the last inning.
Osprey starting pitcher
Frank German put forth his longest outing of the year, pitching into the sixth inning. The freshman right-hander struck out four batters and allowed only three hits in his third start of 2016.
The lone Osprey run came in the top of the eighth inning when
Alex Merritt delivered a pinch-hit single that scored
Kyle Brooks from second base. Brooks, who extended his reached base streak to 17 earlier in the game, got himself aboard thanks to a Bethune-Cookman throwing error.
Senior
Corbin Olmstead had one of the Osprey four hits and moved his hit streak to 16 games.
The loss snaps a four-game win streak against the Wildcats in the 25
th meeting between the two schools.. The Ospreys still hold a 17-8 edge in the all-time series.
The Ospreys return home for a two-game midweek series against Dartmouth beginning on Wednesday night and concluding on Thursday afternoon. Wednesday night will be "Wine Down Wednesday" at Harmon Stadium. Fans 21 & over can enjoy $3 wine and $1 beer specials.
