MIAMI – Sophomore Bailey Grossenbacher drove in four runs to lead the FIU softball team to a 6-2 win over Middle Tennessee State in the decisive game of a three-game Conference USA series on Sunday at FIU Softball Stadium.
 
The win marked the Panthers' second straight and clinched its first conference series win of the season, following its identical 6-2 victory over the Red Raiders on Saturday.
 
The Panthers got all the runs they needed with a three-run first that was keyed by a two RBI double down the left field line by Grossenbacher.  Alexis Ross scored the first run of the frame on a wild pitch – after opening the inning with a bunt single and a stolen base.
 
Middle Tennessee tabbed a pair of runs in the fifth via an RBI double by Ave Tepe and a two-out run-scoring single off the bat of Lani Rodriguez, which trimmed the lead to 3-2.
 
Grossenbacher responded for FIU in the top of the sixth by plating two more with her second double of the contest, a shot to left center that brough home Makayla Gallagher and Brittany Phillips to up the margin to 5-2.
 
FIU added its final run of the contest on an RBI single from Ross that brought home Alyssa Laboy – who scored from second after pinch running for Hanna Johanning, who opened the frame with a double.
 
FIU starter Brooklynn Linneman (8-3) earned the victory following four innings of work that saw her give up two runs and five hits.  Senior Kendahl Dunford limited the Red Raiders to no runs and three hits in recording her second save of the season.
 
MTSU's Gretchen Mead (4-6) was hit with the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings.
 
The win improves FIU's record to 17-21 overall and 3-9 in the conference loop.  Middle Tennessee slips to 17-23 on the season and 4-8 in league action.
 
UP NEXT:  The Panthers return to the road next week for a three-game set at Marshall that will begin on Thursday, April 14.  First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. ET from Dot Hicks Field in Huntington, W.Va.
 
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