MIAMI – The FIU softball team used a six-run outburst in the sixth inning to flip a 3-2 deficit into a 7-3 victory over Butler on Friday evening during the opening day of the Panther Invitational in Miami.
The win marked the Panthers' second straight and improved their record vs. non-ranked opponents this season to a perfect 5-0.
The Panthers's six-run explosion was sparked by a pair of RBI base hits from junior
Alexis Ross and sophomore
Brooke McCann. Ross blasted a shot through the box that ricocheted off Butler pitcher MacKenzie Griman and dribbled untouched in the infield, allowing
Makayla Navarro and
Ella Whitney to score. A throwing error by Butler catcher Kieli Ryan let a third run cross on the play, putting FIU ahead 4-3.
McCann added an RBI single to center to drive in Ross and up the advantage to 5-3. Following a double by
Ashton Lansdell,
Carmen Perez reached on the Bulldogs' second miscue of the frame and allowing both McCann and Lansdell to come home and make the score 7-3.
Lansdell broke open a scoreless game with an RBI ground out to short that plated Navarro to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the third.
Butler's Sydney Carter ripped a double to right field with two outs that scored two – putting the Bulldogs ahead for the first time at 2-1 in the top of the fourth.
Monique Hoosen added a solo shot for Butler in the top of the sixth to increase the lead for the Bulldogs to 3-1 and set the stage for the FIU rally.
Junior
Sydney Birling (1-1) earned the win in relief after allowing four hits and one run over one inning. Griman (0-4) was tagged with the loss for Butler after getting touched for nine hits and six runs – five of which were earned.
The Panthers posted a total of 10 hits in the victory – their third game this season with a double-digit hit total. Navarro and McCann each tabbed a pair of knocks in the win.
The game was delayed by rain for a total of 3:05 with a pair of stoppages over the initial two innings.
GAME 2 – PITTSBURGH 7, FIU 4
The Panthers (5-3) dropped a 7-4 decision in the nightcap to Pittsburgh. FIU and Pitt were tied at 1-1 after three innings before the Panthers were outscored 6-2 over the final four frames as Pittsburgh took control on the strength of four home runs.
Lansdell led FIU offensively with two hits and two RBI. Freshman
Isabella Perez ripped a pair of doubles and scored three times while adding an RBI. McCann also drove home a run in the loss for FIU. Navarro registered a hot for the third straight game.
Freshman
Megan Kruger struck out five over four innings of work.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Softball season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the
FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
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