MIAMI – The FIU softball team scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth and break open a scoreless game as it cruised to a 7-4 win over Western Kentucky in the opening game of a three-game series at Felsberg Field on Friday night.
Following a scoreless three and a half innings, the Panthers took control with a five spot in the bottom of the fourth – all of which came with two out. Senior
Frankie Izard got things started with an RBI single to center that scored
Ella Whitney, who reached earlier on a single.
Kaleena Downing made it 3-0 with a single to center that scored both Izard and
Ashton Lansdell.
Makayla Navarro added a triple one batter later to plate Downing and
Brooke McCann closed out the scoring with a single to bring home Navarro and up the margin to 5-0.
Western Kentucky (25-21, 10-8 C-USA) chipped back with two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to get within 5-3. Faith Hegh punched a single to left center to score Anniston Bray and TJ Webster in the fourth and Randi Drinnon added a solo blast in the fifth.
FIU (21-24, 7-12 C-USA) added a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI double by Navarro and a run-scoring single by McCann.
Junior
Sydney Birling (6-6) earned the win for the Panthers after allowing six hits and two runs over 4.1 innings. Freshman
Brooke McNichols tossed 2.2 innings of relief to seal the win while holding the Hilltoppers to a couple of hits and a run.
Katie Gardner (12-15) was tagged with the loss for Western Kentucky after giving up five runs and five hits over four innings. She also walked three.
Downing, McCann and Navarro led the Panthers' offense with two RBI each – McCann and Navarro each also posted a pair of hits in the victory. Lansdell also reach base twice and scored two runs, while adding a stolen base.
UP NEXT
The Panthers continue their weekend set against Western Kentucky on Saturday, April 29 in a scheduled 1 p.m. ET first pitch.
Saturday's contests will be broadcast on CUSA.TV.
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.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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@FIUSoftball), and Facebook (
Facebook.com/FIUSoftball) for all the latest FIU Softball news.
