UTSA scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to rally and defeat FIU 10-5 Friday night at the FIU ballpark.
The Roadrunners (17-16, 7-7 Conference USA) evened the three-game series with the Panthers (20-15, 7-7) with the rubber game set for Saturday.
After
Kenny Meimerstorf's solo home run in the bottom of the eighth, FIU led 5-4 going to the final frame.
UTSA managed to load the bases against FIU right-hander
Chandler Raiden (2-1) with one out.
Alex Demchak relieved and struck out CJ Pickering for the second out. However, Mason George singled to center to put the Roadrunners ahead 6-5.
Later in the inning, Jesse Baker hit a grand slam to make it 10-5.
Tyler Myrick started for FIU and went five innings, allowed six hits and two earned runs.
FIU trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning before coming back to take the lead against UTSA starter Tyler Giovanoni and closer Chris Muller (2-0).
Javier Valdes singled to start the sixth and
Kolby Follis pinch-ran for him. Follis came around to score on a wild pitch to tie the score at 3-3.
JC Escarra singled and scored on a sacrifice fly by
Christian Coipel as the Panthers took a 4-3 lead.
Meimerstorf was 3 for 4 with two RBI. Escarra was 2 for 4.
Nick MacDonald goes for FIU Saturday as the Panthers try to take the series from the Roadrunners. The first pitch for the series finale is at 12 p.m. The game can be seen on PantherVision and C-USA TV.
