MIAMI – The FIU softball team dropped a tightly played 6-4 decision that took eight innings to decide in the opening game of a three-game series vs. Jax State on Friday night at Felsberg Field.
 
The Gamecocks escaped with the victory when Morgan Nowakowski launched a solo shot to right center with one out in the top of the eighth.  Jax State then went on to load the bases with one out before adding four more runs.
 
FIU loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth with two outs and plated a total of three runs – on a wild pitch, error and double steal.
 
Jax State opened the scoring on a two-out RBI single by Makalyn Kyser in the top of the second, which plated Linley Tubbs for a 1-0 advantage.
 
The Panthers scratched out a run to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third.  Following singles by Zamya McBurrows and Kally Meredith, Bailey Grossenbacher drove home McBurrows on a sacrifice fly for her team-leading 24th RBI of the season.
 
Jax State loaded the bases in the top of the sixth with no outs before the Panther defense pulled off back-to-back key plays to keep the Gamecocks off the board.  McBurrows threw out a runner at home before snaring a line drive and firing to first to complete a critical double play.
 
Senior pitcher Sydney Birling (3-5) took the loss for the Panthers after throwing five innings of relief – allowing seven hits and five runs, three of which were earned.
 
Kat Carter (8-7) went the distance for the Gamecocks – allowing seven hits and four runs, only one of which was earned, over eight innings.  She struck out four and walked one.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (16-25, 4-12 CUSA) continue the weekend set with Jacksonville State (19-24, 8-8 CUSA) on Saturday, April 20 at 4 p.m. ET.
 
Saturday's contest will air live on ESPN+.
 
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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