Box Score ULM used a pair of bunt singles to spark a fifth inning rally as the Warhawks defeated FIU, 7-4, in the opening game of a three-game series at the FIU Baseball Stadium on Friday night.

With the Panthers (18-15, 6-7 Sun Belt) leading 2-0 entering the fifth inning, Dalton Herrington and Trent Lucas each dropped a bunt single to start the inning for the Warhawks (14-20, 4-9 SBC). Judd Edwards then delivered an RBI single and Kodie Tidwell had a sacrifice fly to tie the score. Taylor Abdalla followed with a two-run home run to give ULM a 4-2 lead it would not relinquish.

FIU closed within a run against ULM ace right-hander Cale Wine in the bottom of the fifth. Julius Gaines doubled and came around to score on an error by Tidwell to close the gap to 4-3, but the Panthers would draw no closer.

Gaines, Zach Sweety (photo above), Edwin Rios and Josh Anderson each had two hits for FIU.

The Panthers and Warhawks will play game two of the series at 4 p.m. Saturday from the FIU Baseball Stadium. Fans can watch all FIU home baseball games on PantherVision on FIUSports.com.