KENNESAW, GA. — The comeback kids did it again as the FIU softball team scored 10 runs over the final four innings to erase a 3-0 deficit in a 10-4 win over Kennesaw State on Saturday at Bailey Park.
The victory gives the Panthers (21-8, 4-1 CUSA) wins in three straight and 14 of their past 15. Of their past five victories, all five have been in come-from-behind fashion.
On Saturday, FIU produced four players with multiple hits, including Kendall Catherwood (3-for-5, two runs), Kennedy Byrd (2-for-5, two runs, two RBIs), Janelle Martinez (2-for-4, HR, three RBIs) and Isabella Perez (2-for-4).
In addition to that group, Bailey Grossenbacher led the team in runs (3) and stolen bases (2) while adding three walks and recording an RBI. Ciera Diaz also swiped a base for FIU, which hammered out 13 hits as a team.
Kennesaw State (9-19, 0-5 CUSA) exploded for three runs on four hits, including three doubles, over their first five batters in the bottom half of the first.
Brooke McNichols (W, 7-2) proceeded to enter in relief with a runner on second, and she induced a groundout and a flyout to prevent further damage. Following that, she dominated and allowed just seven hits and one run the rest of the way while striking out one.
After stranding three runners over the first three innings, FIU trimmed into a three-run deficit in the fourth with a pinch-hit, RBI single from Natalie Burns.
Although they ultimately stranded the bases loaded, FIU built off that momentum and used an advantageous wind-aided two-run double from Byrd to tie it at three apiece in the fifth.
On the next at bat, Martinez drove one deep over the left field fence for a 5-3 lead for the Panthers through five.
Martinez added another RBI on a groundout in the sixth, and a two-out throwing error plated Byrd and Grossenbacher for an 8-4 lead. The Panthers nearly added another on a single up the middle from Sammy Zelenka, but Perez was thrown out at home to end the rally.
Another KSU error plated the ninth run, and an RBI fielder's choice from Grossenbacher made it 10-4 in the seventh.
Outside of those already mentioned, Kally Meredith (1-for-5, run) and Brooke McCann (1-for-3, BB) recorded the team's other two hits.
The Owls scored their lone run off McNichols in the fifth on a two-out RBI double from Ana Gore, who led her team with a 2-for-4, two-RBI, one-run performance.
NEXT UP
FIU is slated to conclude its three-game series at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday before returning to Felsberg Field for a trio of contests against New Mexico State next weekend.
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