TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- 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 2nd year in a row for the Rattlers. John Capra led the way at the plate going 4-5 with 4 RBI and 3 runs scored.The FAMU bats picked up right where they left off last year, as the Rattlers had 6 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 3 hits, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI, while Russ went 2-3 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Senior Ben Ellzey, and sophomores Willis McDaniel and Kaycee Reese got in on the action as well, each recording 2 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 6 runs on 7 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 single to center field. The next 5 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd and 3rd for Capra, who ripped his second single, this time to left-center field, scoring 2.
After the first 2 innings, Durden kept the Wofford hitters off balance, and off the scoreboard. Durden allowed 5 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) with 4 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched.
The Rattlers tacked on another run in the bottom of the 5th 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 2 out catch in shallow right field to save a run in the top of the 6th inning. Rodriguez had a great performance out of the bullpen, earning his first save of the season, allowing only 1 hit and no runs with 3 strikeouts in 4 innings.
Wofford made another pitching change to start the bottom of the 6th 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 2nd and 3rd. John Capra promptly delivered his 4th 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 6 runs in the bottom of the 7th on 5 hits and one error for a final score of 17-4.
Wofford starting pitcher Adam Scott (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing 6 runs, all earned, on 8 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.
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS
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