HBCU baseball squad knocks off nationally-ranked Florida Gators

Bethune-Cookman delivered a statement week, as the HBCU knocked off its second SEC opponents, the Florida Gators, in impressive fashion. On April 7, the Wildcats stunned LSU in Baton Rouge, 10-7. One week later, Johnny Hernandez's squad followed it up with an even more commanding performance, defeating nationally-ranked Florida 13-7 in Gainesville, powered by a decisive seven-run seventh inning.

Florida entered the matchup ranked no.7 in the Baseball America poll and no. 20 in the NCAA with a key SEC series against Auburn looming. Any thought of overlooking B-CU was quickly erased.

The HBCU squad struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Florida answered to tie it at 1-1. B-CU regained control in the second, plating two runs while the Gators managed just one, giving the Wildcats a 3-2 edge. Bethune-Cookman continued to build its lead with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, extending the margin to 5-2.

Florida mounted its strongest push in the sixth, scoring three runs to even the game at 5-5. But the seventh inning proved to be the turning point.

B-CU erupted for seven runs in a chaotic frame that included four singles, a double, two hit-by-pitches, a throwing error, and two wild pitches. The offensive surge pushed the Wildcats ahead 12-5.

Florida responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh to cut the deficit to 12-7, but that would be as close as the Gators would get to the HBCU. After a scoreless eighth inning, Darryl Lee added the finishing touch with a solo home run, sealing the 13-7 victory.

Next, Bethune-Cookman returns home to Sliwa Stadium in Daytona Beach for a SWAC weekend series against Alabama A&M.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:33 PM.