The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats sealed the regular-season Southwest Athletic Conference championship on Thursday, beating Grambling State 12-1 and extending their winning streak to 37 games. The victory not only crowned the Wildcats as SWAC regular-season champions but also locked in the No. 1 seed for the upcoming conference tournament.
A Nine-Run Onslaught
From the first pitch, Bethune-Cookman’s lineup was relentless. Maikol Lucena sparked the rally with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, and Jose Fernandez followed with a sacrifice that pushed the lead to 2-0. Erick Almonte then delivered a two-run single to right, while Darryl Lee’s triple cleared the bases and brought home two more runs. A wild pitch later, Lee scored again, and Fernandez added an RBI infield single to keep the momentum rolling.
The bullpen proved just as dominant. Anthony Anselmo, Bryon Rincones, Justin Morales and Pablo Torres combined for three shutout innings, stifling the Tigers’ offense after their lone run in the fourth, which came on a Shannon Martin RBI single.
With the win, the Wildcats not only added to their program record but also positioned themselves strongly for an NCAA Tournament berth. They will open the SWAC Tournament against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Birmingham on May 20, a matchup that could determine their national destiny.