MURFREESBORO, Tennessee (May 10, 2019) – Junior Austin Shenton extended his hit streak to 20 games on Friday night, but the Panthers couldn't overcome a two-run fifth inning by Middle Tennessee as the Blue Raiders took the series opener, 3-1. 

Friday's game was pushed up to a 5:30 p.m. ET first pitch after threatening weather in the Tennessee area. The Panthers and Blue Raiders will be back on the diamond on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET.

With the loss, FIU falls to 20-29 on the year and 9-16 in C-USA play. MT improves to 18-31 overall and 11-14 in conference action. 

Logan Allen, who struck out a game-high nine batters, pitched seven innings and surrendered two earned runs to take the loss on the mound. MT's Zach Keenan pitched eight innings, allowing just one run, before David Zoz earned a clean ninth frame for the save. 

At the plate, Jarrett Ford earned a pair of singles to lead the way. Juan Teixeira hit an RBI single to bring home Shenton in the fourth inning. 

After a pair of scoreless innings, a SAC fly brought home the first run of the game as MT jumped ahead 1-0 in the third. FIU was quick to respond in the next half, after Shenton doubled off the wall before Teixeira brought him home with a single through the left side to tie the score at 1-1. In the fifth frame, the home team scored a pair of runs following a two-run double as the lead would prove to be enough at 3-1.

FIU had a brief rally in the top of the eighth, after back-to-back singles by Derek Cartaya and Ford, but a double play ball and strikeout would end the threat. 

UP NEXT
After a pair of games against the Blue Raiders this weekend, the Panthers will cap their regular season road slate against Stetson on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET.  

SOCIAL MEDIA
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