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The Bethune-Cookman baseball group booked its ticket to the NCAA Match in dramatic style in opposition to SWAC rival Florida A&M. The Wildcats gained in walk-off style with two outs within the backside of the ninth inning.
Somewhat than present up his opponent whereas trotting across the basepath, outfielder Andrey Martinez respectfully circled the bases earlier than celebrating the second with teammates. It supplied a stark distinction to an explosive scene witnessed at a faculty positioned close by.
The SWAC baseball event was performed in Birmingham, Alabama this previous week as groups competed for a spot within the postseason. Bethune-Cookman battled Florida A&M with each squads reaching the championship recreation.
Fireworks could be seen within the ultimate body with the Wildcats offering a game-winning blast. Trailing 9-8 within the backside of the ninth, the house group was right down to its final out with the season on the road. Andrey Martinez stepped as much as the dish with two runners on. He’d ship everybody dwelling with a 400+ foot shot over the centerfield wall.
Martinez knew he bought all of it after unloading on the pitch. He was overcome with emotion as he made his method in the direction of dwelling plate. In the identical state of affairs, many would possibly take the chance to brag. Martinez didn’t.
There was no bat flip. No phrases exchanged upon rounding the bases. He merely tucked his head and proceeded to the route with out drama. It was a lot totally different than what was seen in a latest SoCon baseball event matchup.
Bethune-Cookman baseball’s stylish show of sportsmanship goes viral.
The Wildcats celebrated as a group somewhat than exhibiting up their opponent. The Samford Bulldogs, whose campus is positioned proper down the street from the SWAC Match in Birmingham, didn’t do the identical.
Throughout a latest convention event matchup in opposition to Mercer, slugger Michael Gupton smacked a no-doubt homer to lifeless centerfield. He made positive each participant on the opposing group knew about it after the actual fact.
Gupton animatedly circled the bases earlier than yelling one thing within the path of the Mercer dugout. It led to an explosive scene and a prolonged delay.
The Bears, feeling disrespected, took your entire group off the sector in protest. They demanded an ejection.
Gupton was ultimately tossed, as was a member of the Mercer infield. An indignant Bears participant’s mother even bought into the motion and needed to be escorted out of the venue after leaping on prime of a dugout in frustration.
Samford confirmed little respect to its opponent within the SoCon baseball event. Bethune-Cookman baseball displayed good sportsmanship regardless of ending a rival’s season. Some would say karma adopted.
The Bulldogs’ season ended with a loss within the SoCon Championship. They won’t play within the postseason. The Wildcats, in the meantime, made the NCAA Match area and can journey to face Florida State.
