MIAMI -  The FIU baseball program is set for its first midweek contest of the season, hosting the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Wednesday at FIU Baseball Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 vs Bethune-Cookman

• Time / Site: 6 p.m. ET at FIU Baseball Stadium
• Brandon Vasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Logan Runde (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Originally slated to be played in Daytona Beach, Fla., the game was moved to Miami due to inclement weather. The return matchup on Tuesday, March 25, will now take place at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

The Panthers (4-0) are off to a strong start, sweeping Stonehill in their season-opening series over the weekend. FIU's offense exploded for 42 runs on 52 hits, including back-to-back double-digit scoring performances to close the series. The first two games featured FIU securing consecutive walk-off wins via hit-by-pitch.

FIU's starting rotation shined, allowing just one earned run over 16 innings. Logan Runde, Owen Puk, Easton Marks, and Jarek Woodward all played key roles in the Panthers' impressive start.

With a 4-0 record, FIU is off to its best start since 2022 under third-year head coach Rich Witten.

Senior leadoff hitter Brylan West led the offensive charge, collecting nine hits, four doubles, one home run, and five RBIs. He reached base 13 times, drawing three walks and getting hit by a pitch. West recorded two three-hit games, including a 3-for-5 performance on opening day and a four-RBI outing in Monday's 12-2 victory. His four doubles rank for top 15 in the nation.

Shortstop Alex Ulloa added eight hits, three doubles, and a home run, posting multi-hit games in the last three contests. He crushed his first home run of the season in FIU's 17-14 win on Sunday.

Newcomer Albert Serrano made an immediate impact, reaching base 15 times and driving in eight runs. His standout moment came on Friday, making an over-the-shoulder catch in deep centerfield during extra innings. The play gained national attention, landing at No. 6 on ESPN's SportsCenter Top 10 and No. 3 on D1Baseball.com's Top 10 plays of the week.

Serrano also showcased his power, launching a grand slam and a towering 430-foot, two-run homer on Sunday. In addition, his six hit-by-pitches in the series sit as the most for a player in NCAA this season.

Outfielder Kishon Frett delivered in the clutch on Friday, blasting a game-tying three-run homer in the 11th inning. Freshman Cole Cleveland impressed in his debut, recording three hits, including two doubles and his first collegiate home run on Sunday.

Javier Crespo and Kareh Valentin also had strong starts, with Crespo tallying three hits in his FIU debut and Valentin notching five hits as the team's starting second baseman.

The Panthers' pitching delivered solid performances throughout the weekend. Owen Puk set a career-high with five innings pitched, allowing just one hit while striking out five on Saturday. Logan Runde started opening night, tossing four no-hit innings with four strikeouts. Marks followed with three scoreless frames and four strikeouts on Sunday.

David Eckaus and Kevin Martin combined for five relief innings on Friday, while Juan Villarreal dominated Saturday's game, striking out seven over four innings to earn the win. Jaydon Bishop, Tracen Cameron, Bryce Greene, and Julian Mlodzinski also contributed out of the bullpen.

HISTORY WITH THE WILDCATS
Wednesday's game marks the 80th all-time meeting between FIU and Bethune-Cookman, dating back to 1978.

The Panthers hold a commanding 63-16 series lead and have won 11 of the last 12 matchups.

FIU took last season's meeting in Miami with a 5-1 victory on March 5, 2024. The Panthers have won the last nine home contests against the Wildcats, dating back to 2016.

SCOUTING BETHUNE-COOKMAN
Bethune-Cookman enters the midweek matchup with an 0-3 record after dropping its season-opening series to Stony Brook at home.

Heading into the season, the Wildcats were predicted to finish second in the SWAC after winning 32 games in 2024 falling in the SWAC semi-finals.

Junior Jesus Vanegas leads the Wildcats with five hits, while junior Armani Newton has already blasted two home runs. Darryl Lee has contributed three RBIs.

On the mound, left-handed pitcher Brandon Vazquez will make his first start of the season. The Miami Dade College transfer posted a 3.16 ERA over 31.1 innings in 21 appearances last year.

UP NEXT
FIU welcomes in Delaware for a three-game series beginning on Friday, Feb. 21. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m, and can be streamed on ESPN+.

BAPTIST HEALTH
Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUBaseball on Facebook and @FIUBaseball on Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.