BOWLING GREEN, KY – FIU got another big home run from Eddie Silva and eight solid innings from its bullpen to defeat Western Kentucky, 6-3, Saturday afternoon at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

By taking Saturday's matinee, the Panthers (24-25, 13-12 Conference USA) won the series from the Hilltoppers (21-28, 11-15 C-USA). FIU goes for the sweep of WKU Sunday afternoon.

With FIU ahead 2-1 in the top of the fifth inning, WKU right-hander Colby Taylor (2-3) recorded the first two outs of the frame before literally running into deep trouble.

Logan Allen, who is 7 for 10 in the series, pulled to left his first five hits of the series. In the fifth, WKU shifted three infielders to the left side of the diamond for Allen, who proceeded to hit a single through the wide open second base area.

Austin Shenton followed Allen with a double to left center setting up runners on second and third base for Silva. Shenton was 4 for 5 with two doubles and is 6 for 10 in the series.

After a mound visit by WKU coach John Pawlowski, Silva clocked the first pitch he saw from Taylor deep over the left field wall for a three-run home run.
The home run was the 14^th of the season for Silva, who snapped a tie with WKU center fielder Jacob Rhinesmith to take over the Conference USA lead in homers. FIU led 5-1.

Silva went 2 for 4 with four RBI. In the third inning, the junior second baseman snapped a 1-1 tie with an RBI single to center scoring Allen, who singled.

The lead held up for the Panthers because of some stingy pitching from their bullpen. Starter Tyler Myrick pitched one inning before the pen took over.

Freshman Daniel Brown (1-0) pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed one run to record his first college win. Will Saxton and Chandler Raiden followed with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Christian Santana pitched the final two frames to pick up his second save.

FIU and WKU play the series finale Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT.