Florida A&M scored in the first five innings to defeat FIU, 8-4, Wednesday afternoon at the FIU ballpark.
The Rattlers (5-6) split the two-game series with the Panthers (4-4).
FAMU scored five runs, two earned off FIU starter
Christian Santana (0-1) to build a 5-1 lead after three innings. Santana went three innings, allowed three hits, five runs, walked four and struck out one.
The Rattlers had a 7-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning before the Panthers drew closer.
Freshman designated hitter
Jose Garcia hit a two-run home run – his fourth homer in four games – to close the deficit to 7-3.
FIU added another run in the ninth when
Juan Teixeira tripled and came home on an RBI groundout by
Diandre Amion.
FIU returns to the diamond Friday night when the Panthers hosts Jacksonville State in a three-game series at the FIU ballpark. First pitch on Friday is at 7 p.m.
