Box Score WKU scored a run in the top of the ninth inning to break a tie score and edged FIU, 4-3, in the first game of a three-game series at the FIU Baseball Stadium on Friday night.

Hilltoppers cleanup batter Ryan Huck reached on an infield hit and advanced to second base on a throwing error to open the ninth inning of a 3-3 tie score. David Simmons pinch-ran for Huck and advanced to third base on a wild pitch before scoring the eventual go-ahead run on a passed ball.

WKU closer Ian Tompkins got FIU in order in the bottom of the ninth inning to preserve the victory.

Facing two deficits in Friday's game, the Panthers (11-11, 1-3 Sun Belt) rallied each time to tie the Hilltoppers (12-10, 4-0 SBC). Down 2-0 in the fourth inning, FIU got an RBI double from Aramis Garcia to cut the WKU lead to 2-1. One inning later, the Panthers tied the score on a solo home run to left by Oscar Aguirre.

Trailing 3-2 in the seventh, FIU orchestrated a double steal with runners on the corners to tie the score. Tyler Hibbert stole home plate and Julius Gaines stole second base.

Aguirre and Josh Anderson each went 2 for 4 to lead the Panthers at the plate.

FIU and WKU play game two of the three-game set on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. You can watch all FIU baseball home games on PantherVision on FIUSports.com.