MIAMI (March 7, 2015) – The FIU baseball team's (7-7) rally in the bottom of the ninth fell short as the Panthers lost game two of a three-game weekend set with the UConn Huskies (6-5), 5-3, on Saturday evening at the FIU Baseball Stadium.
Trailing 5-3, FIU had the go-ahead run at the plate and runners on second and third with one out. However, UConn Closer Patrick Ruotolo got the final two outs to hand the Panthers the two-run loss.
On the night, despite a 2:36 minute weather delay to the start of the game, FIU registered three runs on six hits. Senior
Julius Gaines went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while fellow senior
Josh Anderson had a 2-for-3 night from the plate, scoring one run and driving in another.
Starting right-hander
Andres Nunez (2-1) suffered the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits with four strikeouts in four innings of action.
The Huskies scattered five runs on nine hits, scoring runs in the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth.
FIU tied the game in the bottom of the first with an RBI single by Schaaf. Falling behind 5-1, FIU plated two more runs in the bottom of the sixth as a sacrifice fly by junior
Edwin Rios and an RBI single by junior
Zach Soria cut the UConn lead to 5-3.
With the win UConn clinched the weekend series.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday in the series finale with first pitch set for 2:00 p.m. Sophomore right-hander
Chris Mourelle will get the start for the Panthers, while right-hander Jordan Tabakman will throw for the Huskies.
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