GAINESVILLE, FL — Sean Bukovich and Anthony Mesa drove in three runs apiece and Florida Atlantic eliminated Bethune-Cookman from the NCAA tournament with a 12-6 victory. The Owls (36-23) pounded out 18 hits, including eight for extra bases, and advanced to play Oregon State or Florida in the Gainesville regional Sunday. The Wildcats (35-22), back on the field about 12 hours after losing in the opening round, stranded five runners in scoring position and hit into two double plays. They fell to 1-20 in regional play.After not getting key hits in Friday’s opening 6-4 loss to the Beavers, Saturday everyone was hitting with men on, as eight Owls had at least one RBI in the game. The Owls are now 57-15 all-time versus the Wildcats, and Bethune still has just one win in its 11 regional appearances. Hats off to starter Ryan Garton, who did not wilt in the scorching heat of a 1 p.m. start, going 7 innings and giving up 5 runs on 11 hits to preserve the bullpen for Sunday’s must-win game. Climbing out of loser’s bracket will be tough. If Florida wins, the Owls would need to beat the Beavers and then beat the Gators in two straight games.
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