Nick Walker singled off Dominic LoBrutto driving in Bryce Windham in the top of the eighth inning to spark Old Dominion to a 12-11 comeback win over FIU at the FIU ballpark Friday night.

The Monarchs (21-10, 4-6 Conference USA) blew a 9-0 lead before rallying late against the Panthers (15-17, 4-6 C-USA).

Behind nine hits from its 2-5 batters, ODU scored nine runs in the first four innings to stake itself to a 9-0 advantage.

But on 70's Night at the FIU ballpark, FIU rallied with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to cut the deficit to 9-7. FIU sent 11 men to the plate in the fourth. Irving Lopez and Rey Perez had RBI singles in the inning. Oliver Francis had a two-run double.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Panthers took an 11-9 lead with a four-run inning. Eddie Silva put FIU ahead with a two-run double down the left field line. Zack Soria added to the lead with a sacrifice fly scoring Francis, who walked earlier in the inning.

ODU tied the score at 11-11 with two runs off reliever Cody Crouse in the top of the seventh inning. The Monarchs strung together four straight hits off the right-hander, who took over after starter Andres Nunez last 2 1/3 innings. Nunez allowed seven hits and five earned runs. Crouse allowed 10 hits and four earned runs. LoBrutto (1-2) went the final two innings.

Morgan Maguire (2-0) pitched 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and Brett Smith recorded his second save. The duo combined with Jake Josephs to shutout FIU over the final 4 2/3 innings of the game.

Lopez led FIU going 3 for 5. Silva, Kenny Meimerstorf, Perez and Francis each had two hits. Silva had two doubles to give him a team-leading 13 two-baggers on the season. Francis had the only other extra base hit for FIU.

Game two of the series is Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with FIU sending right-hander Chris Mourelle against ODU right-hander Victor Diaz. The game can be seen on PantherVision and heard on the FIU Sports Radio Network.