UCF, Bethune-Cookman Set for Midweek Clash

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Bethune-Cookman Wildcats host the UCF Knights in a non-conference midweek baseball game Tuesday evening.

The Wildcats (29-11) enter riding a four-game winning streak, including a weekend sweep of Alabama A&M where they outscored the Bulldogs 42-12. They have won 10 of their last 12 games, a stretch that includes a road win at then-Florida.

UCF (21-15) looks to rebound after dropping two of three at home to Cincinnati over the weekend, including an 11-9 loss on Sunday.

A key matchup will feature two of the state’s hottest hitters. Bethune-Cookman’s Jose Fernandez is batting .500 (9 for 18) with two home runs and eight RBIs over his last five games. The designated hitter went 3 for 4 with an RBI in Sunday’s win.

He’ll be countered by UCF’s power threat, JD Rogers. The Knights’ designated hitter is coming off a massive performance Sunday, going 2 for 3 with two home runs and four RBIs in the loss to Cincinnati. He has three homers and five RBIs in his last two games.

On the mound, both teams are expected to use multiple pitchers in a bullpen game. UCF’s Camden Wicker threw five innings of relief Sunday, striking out nine, and is unlikely to be available.

The teams have followed different trajectories recently. Bethune-Cookman’s offense has averaged 11.4 runs per game during its four-game streak. UCF has lost five of its last seven, though its three losses to Cincinnati were by a combined six runs.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-3 win for Bethune-Cookman. However, the service’s ELO rating system gives UCF a 74.7% probability to win.

Following Tuesday’s contest, Bethune-Cookman opens a three-game series at Florida A&M on Friday. UCF begins a road series at Utah on Friday.