Chuck Opachich drives in 4 as Jacksonville eliminates Bethune-Cookman, 8-7, in Gainesville

Opachich, Jacksonville stay alive with 8-7 victory

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Chuck Opachich drove in four runs, the biggest one coming on a solo homer in the eighth, and Jacksonville beat Bethune-Cookman 8-7 Saturday to stave off elimination in an NCAA regional.

Thomas Myers and Alex Martinez had consecutive homers for the Dolphins (37-21), who advanced to play Florida or Miami in Gainesville.

Bethune-Cookman (32-28) tied the game at 7 on Ryan Durrence’s two-run single in the seventh, but Opachich’s homer put Jacksonville ahead for good. The Wildcats fell to 1-20 in NCAA regional play.

Opachich had a lot to do with the latest loss. He had a sacrifice fly in the second, a two-run double in the third and his second career home run.

Kyle Kriech got his first save by striking out Peter O’Brien with two runners on in the ninth.