CHARLOTTE, NC -- Charlotte scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to rally past FIU 10-9 Friday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams at Hayes Stadium in Charlotte.

The 49ers are now 10-7, 1-0 in C-USA and the Panthers are 9-10, 0-1 in C-USA.

49ers second baseman Tate Pennington's slow rolling infield single down the third base line scored Hunter Jones with the winning run from third base for the comeback win.

FIU built a 9-5 lead on the strength of a grand slam by Javier Valdes in the third inning. The Panthers tacked on four more runs in the fourth with RBI singles by Juan Teixeira, Austin Shenton and Lorenzo Hampton, Jr.

Shenton's double in the ninth and another Hampton RBI single gave the Panthers their ninth run.

Shenton was 3 for 4. Hampton and Jose Garcia each was 2 for 5.

FIU got a terrific relief outing from freshman Steven Casey, who went 4 1/3 innings, allowed three hits and no earned runs. Casey struck out six 49ers.

The three-game series between the Panthers and 49ers resumes Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. from Hayes Stadium.