![\"Bethune-Cookman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Bethune-Cookman-baseball-Jose-Fernandez.jpg\")
Jose Fernandez celebrates a grand slam homer against Florida A&M (Photo: Vaughn Wilson)<\/p>\nBethune-Cookman is starting to create real separation at the top of the SWAC baseball standings.<\/p>\n
One day after a narrow win, the Wildcats returned to Tallahassee and delivered a much more decisive statement, defeating Florida A&M 10-4 on Saturday to win the series and improve to 17-3 in conference play (31-12 overall).<\/p>\n
With the win, Bethune-Cookman continues to widen the gap in the SWAC race while handing Florida A&M its second straight loss in a matchup that entered the weekend tied for first place.<\/p>\n
Bethune-Cookman strikes early and never looks back<\/p>\n
The tone of the game was set immediately.<\/p>\n
Bethune-Cookman erupted for five runs in the first inning, capitalizing on early opportunities before delivering the biggest blow of the game. With the bases loaded, Jose Fernandez launched a grand slam to center field, instantly flipping the pressure onto Florida A&M and silencing the home crowd.<\/p>\n
That early surge gave the Wildcats a 5-0 lead\u2014and they never trailed the rest of the way.<\/p>\n
Bethune-Cookman added another run in the second inning on a sacrifice fly from Andrey Martinez, extending the lead to 6-0 before Florida A&M could fully settle in.<\/p>\n
Fernandez powers the Wildcats offense<\/p>\n
Jose Fernandez was the clear difference-maker at the plate.<\/p>\n
The Wildcats\u2019 designated hitter finished the day 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including the pivotal grand slam in the first inning and an RBI double later in the game. His performance helped fuel a balanced Bethune-Cookman attack that produced 10 runs on 10 hits.<\/p>\n
Michael Rodriguez also played a key role, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Darryl Lee added two hits and scored twice.<\/p>\n
Florida A&M shows flashes but can\u2019t recover<\/p>\n
Florida A&M responded briefly but never fully recovered from the early deficit.<\/p>\n
Star hitter Jackson McKenzie delivered a solo home run in the second inning and later added a sacrifice fly, continuing his strong season at the plate. The Rattlers finished with 11 hits, actually out-hitting Bethune-Cookman, but struggled to convert key opportunities.<\/p>\n
Ethan Miller added three hits, and Josue Figueroa drove in a run late, but Florida A&M could not string together enough offense to erase the early gap.<\/p>\n
Jose Fernandez celebrates a grand slam homer against Florida A&M (Photo: Vaughn Wilson)<\/p>\n
Pitching steadies after fast start<\/p>\n
After the explosive first inning, Bethune-Cookman\u2019s pitching staff settled in.<\/p>\n
Starter Harbersting Abreu (3-3) earned the win, going five innings and allowing two runs while striking out four. The bullpen followed with solid relief work to maintain control of the game despite Florida A&M\u2019s steady contact at the plate.<\/p>\n
Florida A&M starter Garrett Workman took the loss after allowing six runs (just one earned) across four innings.<\/p>\n
What it means for the SWAC race<\/p>\n
This result carries major implications.<\/p>\n
Bethune-Cookman now sits firmly in first place at 17-3 in SWAC play, while Florida A&M drops to 15-5. What began as a showdown between co-leaders has quickly shifted into a statement weekend for the Wildcats.<\/p>\n
With one game remaining in the series, Bethune-Cookman has already secured the series win\u2014and could complete a sweep on Sunday to further tighten its grip on the top spot.<\/p>\n
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