Coming off of Saturday's 9-4 rally loss to Mercer, the Wildcats got to hitting early in the first game of the doubleheader, with three hits and Eros Modena scoring on a wild pitch to take the first inning lead.

However, in the bottom half, the Bears took advantage of a pair of walks, using back-to-back RBI hits to gain a 4-1 advantage; just a start to a scoring spree that would extend through the next four frames.

Mercer gained momentum early and used 19 hits, including five multi-run homers to gain a decisive 19-3 advantage by the close of the fourth inning, as the momentum snowballed for B-CU and 10 runs scored in the game with two outs down.

"They hit good pitches, bad pitches, they hit just about everything we threw up there," Head Coach Jason Beverlin said between games.

Starter Scott Garner (1-1) took the loss, carrying the lion's share of the Bears' output, allowing 12 hits and four walks for 14 runs. Reliever Chris Waltermire couldn't calm the Mercer bats either, surrendering six hits for five runs of his own.

Freshman Levonte Allen finally stopped the bleeding in the fourth, collecting the final out and logging a hitless fifth inning on the mound. Eric Sams closed out the final three frames, allowing just one hit.

Despite the scoring disparity, the Wildcats put up 14 hits of their own, but finished the game with 13 total runners left on base.

"More than anything, I think it's about being mentally tough enough," Beverlin said. "All that pressure is self-induced and the guys need to learn how to take that, release the pressure and be the same no matter what the situation is."

Modena batted 3-of-5 to lead the 'Cats at the plate, while Josh Johnson, Eric Sams and Chris Biocic each had a pair of hits.

Returning in the second, game, both teams faced a defensive approach contrary to how that of the day's opener, as the contest remained a one-run game deep into the contest.

After acquiring two outs in the second inning starter Anthony Stokes (L, 0-1) was hitting on his pitches, but MU's Logan Gaines pulled a homer to left for the 1-0 Bears advantage.

Allowing just two hits through the next three innings, Stokes and Michael Austin held the score static, but walks again proved dangerous for the Wildcats, as Jordan Dailey entered the game with bases loaded and one out, setting the stage for a big inning. Derrick Workman's backside line triple over first base brought in three runs, and an RBI double to left brought him home for the 5-0 advantage.

"We did alright pitching, minus the one inning we walked the bases loaded, and that was the difference," Beverlin said. "You've got to make them earn it."

The Wildcats again hit alongside the Bears; both teams collected five, but B-CU was unable to finish the scoring opportunities, leading to its first shutout loss of the year.

Shaun McCarty led B-CU with 2-of-3 batting in the second game.

"Overall, it was just embarrassing," Beverlin said. "We got whooped three games, and we've just got to regroup, learn from our mistakes and move on."

The Wildcats (2-6) return to the confines of Daytona Beach and Jackie Robinson Ballpark, looking forward to a seven-game homestand, beginning with a Tuesday (Feb. 26) night matchup with Volusia County rival Stetson (2-4).For all the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow the official Twitter feed, @BCUathletics, @cookmanbaseball, or "Like Us" on Facebook at Bethune-Cookman Athletics.

-B-CUathletics.com-