Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Mar. 31, 2023) – Baseball opened its series with Middle Tennessee on Friday losing out 10-7.
 
The team vets were strong in the batter's box. Mike Rosario finished 3-4 with two RIB and was a triple shy of the cycle. Alec Sanchez went 2-3 with an RBI and two walks.
 
The Panthers wasted no time getting on the board, taking the lead in the top of the first.
 
Mike Rosario kicked things off with a leadoff solo home run over the right field wall to put FIU ahead, 1-0.
 
Middle Tennessee did not stay down long, hitting back-to-back solo home runs to take the lead, 2-1.
 
The scoring would not let up as FIU responded in the top of third to regain the lead, 3-2.
 
A walk by Roylan Quevedo and double for Rosario put two men in scoring position. Ruben Carpio would groundout to third to push home the first run and a Dante Girardi SAC fly would score the second.
 
The Blue Raiders had another response, jumping back in front 5-3 and would eventually build the advantage to 8-3 after four.
 
The top of the fifth would see the Panthers add three runs as they began to mount a comeback.
 
With the bases loaded and no outs, Carpio delivered an RBI single to center field. With the bases still loaded, Alec Sanchez drew a five-pitch walk to push home a second run in the inning. Ryne Guida pushed home the third run with a fielder's choice to make the score 8-6 in favor of Middle Tennessee.
 
MTSU would go on to score for the third-straight inning, adding two runs in the bottom of the fifth to go up 10-6.
 
The Panthers continued to fight back, scoring a seventh run in the top of the eighth via a Rosario SAC fly.
 
FIU was able to get men in scoring position in the final frame but were unable to complete the comeback.
 
UP NEXT
Baseball is back in action on Saturday April 1 for game two against Middle Tennessee with first pitch set for 4 p.m. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.