Northeastern edges Bethune-Cookman 4-3 in elimination game of Tallahassee Regional
Context:
In a tense elimination game of the Tallahassee Regional, Northeastern narrowly defeated Bethune-Cookman 4-3, thanks to a dramatic go-ahead home run by Gregory Bozzo in the ninth inning. Northeastern, holding a record of 49-10, now awaits the outcome of a game between Florida State and Mississippi State, having previously lost to the latter in the regional opener, ending a 27-game winning streak. Bozzo's crucial homer came with two outs on a 0-2 pitch, and Ryan Gerety added to the lead with an infield single, capitalizing on a previous error and balk. Despite a shaky ninth inning start by Brett Dunham, marked by two walks and a fielding error that allowed an unearned run, he managed to secure the win with his sixth save. Northeastern's pitchers, including starter Jordan Gottesman and reliever Charlie Walker, performed solidly against the Wildcats' lineup, while Edwin Sanchez gave a strong start for Bethune-Cookman over seven innings.
Dive Deeper:
Gregory Bozzo's pivotal home run in the ninth inning with two outs gave Northeastern a crucial lead in the elimination game against Bethune-Cookman, which they held onto for a 4-3 victory.
Northeastern, the second seed with a notable 49-10 record, is set to face the loser of the game between host team Florida State and Mississippi State, after a prior 11-2 loss to Mississippi State ended their impressive 27-game winning streak.
Bozzo's homer came on a challenging 0-2 pitch from Wildcats reliever Yoansell Diaz, and Ryan Gerety's infield single extended the lead following a throwing error and a balk, providing a two-run cushion.
Brett Dunham faced early difficulties in the ninth inning, allowing two walks and an unearned run due to a fielding error, but he ultimately secured the victory with a strikeout and a groundout, marking his sixth save.
Jordan Gottesman, Northeastern's starter, delivered a strong performance with one run allowed on five hits and six strikeouts over five innings, while Charlie Walker excelled in relief, allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts in three innings.
For Bethune-Cookman, Edwin Sanchez's starting effort was commendable, as he pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out seven, keeping the game competitive until the end.
Despite the loss, Bethune-Cookman's resilience was evident, as they fought back in the ninth inning, capitalizing on defensive errors, but ultimately fell short against Northeastern's determined pitching lineup.