CHARLOTTE, NC -- FIU banged out 15 hits and scored a dozen runs in a 12-6 win over Charlotte on St. Patrick's Day at Hayes Stadium in Charlotte.

The Panthers (10-10, 1-1 Conference USA) evened the three-game series with the 49ers (10-8, 1-1 C-USA).

FIU jumped out to a 5-1 lead after three innings.

The Panthers scored their first run on a double steal in the first inning. Austin Shenton, who singled, stole home and Javier Valdes, who also singled, stole second base.

Shenton, Adan Fernandez and Juan Teixeira added RBI singles to help build the four-run lead.

Backed by another strong start from freshman left-hander Logan Allen, FIU led 7-3 going into the bottom of the eighth.

Allen (3-1) pitched six innings, allowed three runs and struck out five.

However, in the bottom of the eighth the 49ers closed the gap to 7-6 after Drew Ober's three-run home run off Andres Nunez.

FIU answered the very next inning, scoring five runs in the top of the ninth. The Panthers batted around in the inning.

Lorenzo Hampton, Jr. began the ninth with a double into the left center field gap. He scored on an error by shortstop Hunter Jones.

The Panthers then had four consecutive RBI singles by Teixeira, Mike Harkcom, Derek Cartaya and Shenton.

Cartaya and Shenton each went 3 for 5. Cartaya raised his team-leading average to .405. Shenton is third on the team with a .355 clip.

Fernandez and Teixeira were each 2 for 4. Teixeira had a game-high three RBI.

FIU and Charlotte play the rubber game of the series at 12 p.m. Sunday.