GULFPORT, Miss. --Junior Neriah Lee strung together three hits to help lead the Florida A&M Rattlers past the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 6-5 Thursday.

Senior Samantha Smith (7-4) started in the circle and picked up the win for Florida A&M (26-19). The right-hander went 2.1 shutout innings while giving up two hits.

Lee's three-hit day led the Rattlers offensively. Junior Amari Brown compiled a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs. Freshman Jamison Townsend also chipped in for Florida A&M, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Rattlers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Florida A&M got an RBI single from Townsend, scoring freshman Ciara Maple from third base.

The Wildcats then rallied to score five runs and take a 5-1 lead before the Rattlers got back on the board in the fifth. The Florida A&M offense exploded for five runs, highlighted by a three-run triple off the bat of Brown, which brought the Rattlers lead to 6-5. The score remained 6-5 for the rest of the game, as Florida A&M held on for the win.

GAME NOTES

» Lee had three base hits in the game for Florida A&M.
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed five runs across.
» The Rattlers out-hit the Wildcats at a 9-4 clip.
» Florida A&M went 4-for-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 34 Bethune-Cookman hitters in the game, allowing 12 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out two.
» Brown led the Rattlers at the plate, going 1 for 3 with a triple and three RBIs.
» Bethune-Cookman was led offensively by junior Emma Bradley-Tse, who went 3 for 4 with an RBI.
» Senior Alyssa Lopez led the Wildcats pitching staff, throwing 4.1 innings of four-run ball.