Bethune-Cookman at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Bethune-Cookman squad aims to continue its dominant run when it visits Jacksonville for a midweek non-conference baseball matchup Tuesday at John Sessions Stadium.
The Wildcats (17-7) enter on a tear, having won 10 of their last 11 games, including a three-game road sweep of Alcorn State over the weekend where they outscored the Braves 37-6. Their most recent win was a 12-2 victory Saturday, fueled by a stellar pitching performance.
Right-hander Edwin Sanchez is the projected starter for Bethune-Cookman and is the player to watch. He is coming off a dominant outing in that Saturday win, throwing seven no-hit innings with one earned run and four strikeouts. Over his last four appearances, Sanchez has allowed just one earned run in 19 2/3 innings, striking out 22.
The Dolphins (11-13) look to rebound after dropping two of three at Queens (N.C.), including a 4-3 loss Sunday. Jacksonville’s projected starter, right-hander Brendan Holland, is also coming off a strong performance despite the loss. On Sunday, he threw six no-hit innings, allowing one earned run and striking out eight.
Offensively, Bethune-Cookman catcher Maikol Lucena is hot, driving in five runs on three hits in Saturday’s win. For Jacksonville, outfielder Cade Walter went 3 for 4 with three RBIs in the same game.
Weather should not be a factor, with first-pitch conditions forecast to be clear and 86 degrees.
Projections for the game are split. Interstat’s game simulator predicts an 8-2 victory for Bethune-Cookman. However, the same service’s ELO rating system gives Jacksonville a 62.4% probability to win.
Following this game, Bethune-Cookman opens a three-game home series against Jackson State on Friday. Jacksonville begins a three-game series against North Florida, also at home, on Friday.