MIAMI – The FIU baseball program delivered an offensive showcase Thursday night, cruising to a dominant 22-6 run-rule victory over Bucknell in seven innings to open the series at FIU Baseball Stadium.
FIU (13-6) exploded for 12 runs in the fifth inning, marking its largest margin of victory this season. The 22-run performance is the Panthers' highest single-game scoring output since May 18, 2017, when they defeated Western Kentucky 23-6.
The Panthers struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first on a fielder's choice RBI from
Javier Crespo. Bucknell (6-9) briefly tied the game in the second with an RBI double, but FIU responded with a three-run frame, highlighted by a
Hector Candelas RBI single and an
Albert Serrano two-run triple to left center.
Bucknell kept the game close, plating two runs in the third on a pair of RBI doubles to cut the deficit to one. FIU extended its lead with three runs in the fourth before unleashing an offensive explosion in the fifth.
The Panthers batted around in the fifth, scoring 12 runs on eight hits and five walks.
Nelson Rivera Flores ignited the inning with a two-run double down the right-field line.
Kareh Valentin added a sacrifice fly to center, while
Andrew Ildefonso followed with an RBI single.
Candelas kept the momentum going with another RBI hit before
Ryan Hunter delivered his first career hit, a bases-clearing triple off the right-center wall that came inches from leaving the park.
Marc Hersh, Crespo, and Ildefonso added three consecutive RBI singles to cap off the monster inning, pushing FIU's lead to 22-3.
Bucknell managed three runs in the seventh, but FIU closed out the game decisively to secure the series-opening win.
Every FIU starter reached base, drawing 17 walks and collecting 14 hits. Candelas, Ildefonso, and Rivera Flores each recorded two hits.
Brylan West and
Kishon Frett reached base five times apiece, including four walks each, while
Alex Ulloa and Crespo also walked multiple times.
Andrew Ildefonso made his first career start, allowing just one earned run with two strikeouts.
Ryan Reyerson made his long-awaited FIU debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery, pitching an inning with two earned runs and a strikeout.
Jarek Woodward (2-0) earned the win in relief, striking out five batters in two scoreless innings.
Logan Voelz impressed in his second appearance, striking out the side in the sixth, while
Imarion Stanberry closed out the game in the seventh.
UP NEXT
FIU prepares for game two of the series set for tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. from FIU Baseball Stadium. It can be streamed live on ESPN+.
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