RUSTON, LA – Austin Shenton's two-run double in the top of the ninth inning rallied FIU past Conference USA's top team, Louisiana Tech, 9-7, Thursday night at Patterson Park in Ruston, Louisiana.

The Panthers (13-14, 4-3 C-USA) came back after the Bulldogs (20-8, 5-2 C-USA) scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 7-6 lead.

In the top of the ninth, FIU knocked around LA Tech closer Braxton Smith (1-1), who entered the game with a 0.87 ERA and four saves.

With one out in the ninth, Derek Cartaya walked and Logan Allen poked a single to right to put runners at first and second. Shenton lined a double down the right field line scoring both runners and giving the Panthers a one-run lead.

Jose Garcia walked before Shenton was caught stealing third base. Freshman Seth Cannady then doubled home Garcia to make it 9-7 FIU.

Before LA Tech scored six runs in the eighth to take the lead, FIU clobbered Bulldogs ace Matt Miller for 10 hits and six runs, including three home runs, which now give FIU a C-USA-leading 37 dingers.

Going into Thursday's game, Miller had the top ERA among starters in C-USA with a sterling 1.17 mark and the LA Tech pitching staff also led the league in ERA.

FIU struck for three runs in the top of the third off Miller. Eddie Silva led off the frame with a long solo home run to the dorms behind the left center field wall. Juan Teixeira tripled and Allen doubled home Teixeira.

In the fifth, Teixeira led off with a solo homer off Miller. Michael Harkcom singled and Garcia doubled him home.

Adan Fernandez capped the scoring off Miller with a solo home run to left center in the sixth and FIU led 6-1.

FIU received a solid start from Andres Nunez, who went six innings and allowed one run. Freshman Will Saxton (1-1) picked up the win in relief and freshman Christian Santana recorded his first collegiate save.

Teixeira and Javier Valdes each went 3 for 4. Fernandez and Allen each had two hits.

The middle game of the three-game series is Friday at 7 p.m. EDT.