Zack Soria's RBI single to center field off Jonah Patten capped off a four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning as FIU roared back to defeat Charlotte, 5-4, Saturday night at the FIU ballpark.

The Panthers (12-8, 1-1 Conference USA) evened the three-game series with the 49ers (12-7, 1-1).

For seven-plus innings it seemed like Charlotte would take the series after winning Friday. The 49ers led 4-1 and to that point starter Josh Maciejewski limited the Panthers to two hits.

But with one out in the bottom of the eighth, FIU started its comeback. Adam Sevario was hit by a pitch. Pinch-hitter Christian Khawam singled and took second base on the throw to third base. Irving Lopez then reached on an error by first baseman Logan Sherer, scoring Sevario.

With the score 4-2, freshman Javier Valdes lined a double into the left center field gap off reliever Phillip Perry (1-1) scoring Khawam and Lopez to tie the score. Jack Schaaf came in to pinch-run for Valdes and one batter later scored on Soria's single to short center to put FIU on top 5-4.

FIU left-hander Alex Demchak (1-0) kept the 49ers at bay in relief of starter Chris Mourelle. Demchak pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowed one hit, one walk and struck out three batters. Mourelle went 6 1/3 innings, allowed eight hits, four runs, two walks and struck out four.

Franklin Van Gurp pitched a scoreless ninth and struck out two to record his first FIU save.

Valdes hit his first collegiate home run, a solo shot, to start the scoring for FIU in the fourth inning. Valdes was 2 for 4 with three RBI.

FIU and Charlotte play the rubber game of the three-game series at 12 p.m. Sunday. The game can be seen on PantherVision and C-USA TV.