FAMU and Bethune-Cookman light up scoreboard on Sunday
Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman saved their most explosive performance for last.
In a game that featured 28 combined runs, multiple momentum swings, and late-inning drama, FAMU defeated Bethune-Cookman 15-13 on Sunday. The win allowed the Rattlers to avoid a sweep in one of the biggest HBCU baseball series of the season.
Despite the loss, Bethune-Cookman still leaves Tallahassee in control of the SWAC standings. However, FAMU proved it will remain firmly in the championship conversation.
Florida A&M survives wild back-and-forth battle
This game felt like it could turn at any moment.
Bethune-Cookman struck first with a two-run home run from Andrey Martinez in the opening inning. But FAMU answered immediately with a four-run first inning, setting the tone for a high-scoring afternoon.
The Rattlers kept the pressure on in the second inning. A triple from Jay Campbell and a two-run homer from Jackson McKenzie pushed the lead to 7-2 early.
Still, Bethune-Cookman never backed down.
The Wildcats chipped away and eventually surged ahead with a massive six-run seventh inning, turning a deficit into a 13-10 lead. At that moment, it looked like Bethune-Cookman might complete the sweep.
The Rattlers had other plans.
Eighth inning swings momentum back to FAMU
With the game slipping away, Florida A&M delivered its biggest response of the weekend.
The Rattlers exploded for five runs in the eighth inning, fueled by clutch hitting and a key defensive miscue. William Brown delivered a three-RBI double to tie the game, and moments later, Florida A&M took the lead for good.
From there, the bullpen closed the door.
Cody Williams earned the win with two scoreless innings, stabilizing a game that had been anything but predictable.
Offensive stars shine on both sides
This game showcased some of the best offensive talent in SWAC baseball.
For Florida A&M:
- Caden Kresak: 3 hits, 3 runs
- Jay Campbell: 3 hits, 2 RBI
- Ethan Miller: 3 RBI
- Jackson McKenzie: Home run and 2 RBI
For Bethune-Cookman:
- Jose Fernandez: 2 RBI
- Darryl Lee: 3 RBI
- Erick Almonte: 2 hits, RBI
Both teams combined for 23 hits, highlighting just how relentless the offensive pressure was throughout the game.
SWAC standings update after the series
Even with Sunday's loss, Bethune-Cookman remains in first place. However, Florida A&M closes the gap slightly after salvaging the finale.
Updated SWAC Baseball Standings:
| School | Conf | Overall | Streak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman | 17-4 | 31-13 | L1 |
| Florida A&M | 16-5 | 21-19 | W1 |
| Texas Southern | 15-6 | 20-14 | L1 |
| Southern | 13-7 | 20-20 | W9 |
| Alabama State | 13-8 | 23-19 | W3 |
| Grambling State | 12-7 | 15-25 | W1 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 12-8 | 19-25 | L3 |
| Jackson State | 9-12 | 19-24 | W1 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 7-14 | 11-28 | L9 |
| Prairie View A&M | 4-17 | 8-33 | W1 |
| Alabama A&M | 3-18 | 9-35 | L1 |
| Alcorn State | 2-16 | 8-33 | L7 |
What this means for the SWAC race
This series delivered exactly what fans expected - intensity, offense, and playoff-level urgency.
- Bethune-Cookman still holds first place and proved it can win tight games on the road.
- Florida A&M showed resilience and firepower, especially in pressure moments.
- The gap between the top teams remains razor thin heading into the final stretch.
If this weekend was any indication, the SWAC baseball race is far from decided.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:36 AM.