JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida begins a two-week road trip after a series loss at home to Jacksonville University. For the second consecutive season, the Ospreys will visit Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. UNF is looking for their third midweek win of the 2025 season.
Last Time Out
Following a three-hour-long rain delay, North Florida dropped their weekend finale, 9-5 against Jacksonville University. The Ospreys let their one-run lead slip away in the seventh inning. The Dolphins added four more runs in the eighth which ended up being the difference maker in the win. UNF scored late and loaded the bases in the eighth but could not capitalize, falling to JU and losing the series.
Scouting Bethune-Cookman
The Wildcats sit at 10-10 on the season, but they are coming off a conference sweep of Alcorn State. BCU is an impressive 9-6 at home and have played games this season against both Jacksonville University and Florida Gulf Coast. Offensively, the Wildcats are hitting .292 as a team. Darryl Lee is slashing .400 this season and has driven in 17 runs. Seven different Wildcats have double digit RBI totals and Bethune-Cookman has scored 169 runs in 20 games. The weekend rotation has two arms with sub-four ERAs and the Wildcats have been a consistent defensive team as well.
"Ring 'Em Up" Ross
Will Ross has been a consistent starter this season for head coach Joe Mercadante and currently has the second lowest ERA in the ASUN conference. In his most recent start, Ross overcame some early struggles and delivered six strong innings of one-run ball against Jacksonville University. Against Alabama State, Ross tossed seven innings of one-run ball. Both performances were good enough to earn wins. The most drastic change from 2024 to 2025 has been his strikeout numbers. Ross punched out nine batters in 19 innings last year. In 27.1 innings this season, the Winter Garden, Fla. native has struck out 24.
On-Base Machine
Nick Monile continues to be one of the toughest hitters in the ASUN to keep off the bases. Since Monile arrived in Jacksonville, he has started all but one game this season for Joe Mercadante. The Osprey center fielder has reached base safely in 19 of 20 games played this season, recording a hit in 17 of the contests. While he has only recorded seven RBIs, Monile has been a table setter at the top of the lineup, and he leads the 'Spreys in runs (19).
Countdown to 100!!!
Drew Leinenbach is one of the longest tenured Ospreys. The UNF outfielder is rapidly approaching the 100 hit mark. Leinenbach is currently sitting at 92 hits, and could accomplish the feat during the Ospreys road trip. Leinenbach is also one start away from 100, having made No. 99 on Sunday, Mar. 16 against Jacksonville.
Series History
North Florida and Bethune-Cookman will meet for the 34th time in history. UNF is 21-12 all time against the Wildcats but have lost the last two meetings. The Ospreys are 7-8 when facing BCU in Daytona Beach and are searching for their first win since 2019. Last season, Bethune-Cookman walked off UNF in Daytona Beach on Mar. 19.
Starting Pitchers
Tuesday - RHP Trevor Nikolis vs LHP Brandon Vazquez
Bethune-Cookman will broadcast the game on YouTube and updates will be made through live stats, as well as on X/Twitter at @OspreyBSB and Instagram at @OspreysBSB.
