SUMMARY

The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats defeated the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 7-2, despite the fact that Jonah Stepner provided the best start on the mound for the Hawks this season.

THE SCORE

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks - 2

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats  - 7

(Wildcats lead series 1-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED

On a warm night in Daytona Beach, Florida, the Hawks began a four-game series with the Wildcats at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark – the park in which Jackie Robinson played his first professional game in the Dodgers organization while playing with the AAA Montreal Royals in spring training back in 1946. UMES' historic MEAC rival started strong. In a similar fashion to UMES' loss against Mount St. Mary's in the game prior, the Maroon and Grey fell victim to the long ball twice. The Wildcats hammered two solo home runs in the opening inning to get off to a fast start. On top of those big hits, Bethune-Cookman added an RBI single in the second inning to build a lead, 3-0.

After a slow start on the hill, Jonah Stepner began to settle in on the mound. From the third inning to the fifth inning, the right-handed pitcher from San Diego, California retired nine out of the 10 batters that he faced, including a pair of innings where he retired the side in order. To end the fifth inning, Stepner and the entire defense showed some great emotion when the final two Wildcat batters in the frame struck out swinging. Throughout his start, UMES' defense turned a pair of double plays, further aiding his longevity on the mound. Stepner's six-inning outing on the mound ended with a thrilling double play where a Wildcat batter struck out in a dropped strike three situation, and the Hawks proceeded to record the out at first as well as back at the plate when a Bethune-Cookman runner tried to reach home. Stepner ultimately finished just one earned run away from posting a quality start on the mound. 

As good as the pitching was for the Maroon and Grey at times during the game, Bethune-Cookman, clad in baby blue uniforms, was better throughout the game. Aside from Diego Aponte hitting his NEC leading eighth and ninth RBI in the fourth inning, Maryland Eastern Shore struggled to get on base consistently against the Wildcats' pitching staff. After adding some insurance runs late, Bethune-Cookman clinched a game one victory, 7-2. 

THE NUMBERS

The Hawks finished with two runs on four hits and a season-best zero errors while the Wildcats finished with seven runs on eight hits and two errors.

Right-handed pitcher Jonah Stepner posted a season-high six innings on the mound. He also registered a season-high five strikeouts on the hill. 

Diego Aponte continues his hot streak at the plate going 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. The junior first baseman has recorded nine RBI in his last four games.

Bronson Taylor has now built a five-game hit streak. The sophomore catcher has now amassed nine hits in his last five starts.

Michael Blackiston knocked his first base hit of the season on a double to center field in the third inning.

UP NEXT

With this loss, the Hawks have dropped three games in a row. Maryland Eastern Shore will look to get back on track in a Saturday doubleheader against Bethune-Cookman. The games will stream live on Bethune-Cookman's YouTube channel starting at 3 PM and 6 PM.

FOLLOW ALONG

Keep up with the latest from UMES baseball on UMESHawkSports.com and by following along on X (@UMESHawkBase) and Instagram (@umeshawksbase).