Bethune-Cookman’s postseason hopes took an early hit Friday as the Wildcats dropped a 6-2 decision to top-seeded Florida State in the opening round of the NCAA Tallahassee Regional.
The Wildcats (37-22) showed no fear of the moment, threatening immediately in the first inning with back-to-back singles. However, a sharp defensive play by Florida State ended the rally and kept the game scoreless. The Seminoles struck first, with Max Williams and Chase Williams each launching solo home runs in the first and second innings off B-CU starter Joel Core, putting the Wildcats in a 2-0 hole.
Bethune-Cookman answered in the third. With two outs, Jorge Rodriguez delivered a clutch two-run single to right, tying the game at 2-2 and injecting new life into the Wildcats’ dugout. Just as momentum seemed to shift, a 2-hour, 19-minute rain delay halted play with the score knotted and Florida State threatening.
Final from Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium.
We’re not done yet! See you tomorrow at noon!#𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙨 | #𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 pic.twitter.com/6tXKy2Wbzb
— ⚾️Bethune-Cookman Baseball (@BCUDiamondCats) May 31, 2025
When play resumed, the Seminoles quickly seized control. Myles Bailey’s two-run homer in the bottom of the third put Florida State back in front, and the Wildcats were unable to recover. Core battled through seven innings, allowing six runs on six hits and five walks, but the Wildcats’ offense could not break through against the Seminoles’ bullpen, which combined for 2 2/3 scoreless frames to close out the game.
Despite the loss, Bethune-Cookman’s resilience was on display in their 14th NCAA Tournament appearance since 1999. The Wildcats now face a must-win elimination game as they look to extend their season and continue their pursuit of a breakthrough on the national stage.
Bethune-Cookman’s journey isn’t over yet, but the margin for error has vanished. The Wildcats will regroup, drawing on the grit that brought them this far, as they prepare for their next challenge in the Tallahassee Regional.
