TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M (1-0) pounded out 17 runs on 18 hits to defeat Wofford (0-1) by a score of 17-4 on Friday at Moore-Kittles Field. JoJo Durden (1-0) earned the win on opening day for the second year in a row for the Rattlers. John Capra led the way at the plate going 4-for-5 with four RBI and three runs scored.
The FAMU bats picked up right where they left off last year, as the Rattlers had six players with multi-hit performances. Juniors Aubrey McCarty and Ty Russ had great days at the plate in their first career game as Rattlers. McCarty had two hits, two runs scored and four RBI, while Russ went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI. Senior Ben Ellzey, and sophomores Willis McDaniel and Kaycee Reese got in on the action as well, each recording two hits and an RBI.
The Wofford Terriers jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the first inning. After the leadoff hitter reached base on a throwing error, Wofford had back to back doubles down the left field line, making the score 2-0. Durden was able to work out of the jam, and the Rattlers quickly answered back in the bottom of the first, scoring six runs on seven hits.
John Capra got things started with a single to center field. After a Brian Davis walk, senior Ben Ellzey singled through the hole at shortstop, loading the bases. McCarty drove in FAMU's first run on a fielder's choice to center field. The next five Rattler hitters singled making the score 6-2. In the inning, Capra, Oliver, Michaud, and Russ each recorded their first hits as Rattlers.
Wofford answered with two more runs of their own in the top of the second inning, making the score 6-4. In the bottom of the frame, Ellzey led things off with his second hit of the day. The Rattlers would then load the bases with one out, forcing Wofford to make a pitching change. Elliot Lance was able to work out of trouble after Austin Michaud hit a sharp line drive to third base for a double play.
Florida A&M extended its lead to 8-4 in the bottom of the third inning. Ty Russ led off the inning with his second hit of the day. Kaycee Reese was then hit by a pitch and the Wofford pitcher balked, placing runners on second and third for Capra, who ripped his second single, this time to left-center field, scoring two.
After the first two innings, Durden kept the Wofford hitters off balance, and off the scoreboard. Durden allowed five hits and four runs (three earned) with four strikeouts in five innings pitched.
The Rattlers tacked on another run in the bottom of the fifth inning when junior Aubrey McCarty drew a bases loaded walk, making the score 9-4.
With Danny Rodriguez on the mound for Florida A&M, Kaycee Reese laid out to make an amazing two out catch in shallow right field to save a run in the top of the sixth inning. Rodriguez had a great performance out of the bullpen, earning his first save of the season, allowing only one hit and no runs with three strikeouts in four innings.
Wofford made another pitching change to start the bottom of the sixth and Michaud led off with a walk. Garrett Wilkinson then entered the game, pinch hitting for Ty Russ, and singled in his first at bat as a Rattler. Reese then laid down a perfect sac bunt to advance the runners to second and third. John Capra promptly delivered his fourth hit of the game making the score 10-4. Brian Davis added a sacrifice fly to center field pushing the lead to 11-4.
FAMU added six runs in the bottom of the seventh on five hits and one error for a final score of 17-4.
Wofford starting pitcher Adam Scott (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, all earned, on eight hits in 1.1 innings.
Florida A&M and Wofford will play the second game of the three-game series tomorrow at 1pm at Moore-Kittles field.
As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @BaseballFAMU and on Facebook. Live Stats are also available on the baseball schedule page of FAMUAthletics.com.
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