BOCA RATON -- David Miranda scored from third base on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning to push Florida Atlantic past FIU, 4-3, Friday night in the first game of a three-game series at FAU Stadium.

Dominic LoBrutto (1-3) walked Miranda to start the ninth. Miranda advanced to second base on a wild pitch before Franklin Van Gurp came in to relieve. Van Gurp walked Esteban Puerta. With Stephen Kerr at the plate, Miranda came home with the winning run on a wild pitch.

The Panthers (26-18, 10-9 Conference USA) opened the scoring when JC Escarra hit a solo home run off FAU starter Alex House in the first inning.

The Owls (27-13-1, 13-6 C-USA) scratched a pair of runs off FIU starter Nick MacDonald to take a 2-1 lead into the fourth.

MacDonald went 6 1/3 innings, allowed eight hits, three runs and struck out six.

In the fourth inning, the Panthers regained the lead on a two-run home run by Zach Files off House.

FAU tied the score 3-3 in the seventh when Miranda hit a solo home run to right.

The Panthers and Owls play the middle game of the series Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. from FAU Stadium.