MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The FIU baseball program dropped its series opener against Middle Tennessee on Friday night, falling 12-8 despite a late rally.
The Panthers (17-10, 2-2 CUSA) found themselves in an early 8-0 hole after three innings but battled back to make it a two-run game in the sixth. However, the comeback fell short as the Blue Raiders (14-11, 2-2 CUSA) held on for the win.
Middle Tennessee jumped ahead early, scoring eight runs in the first three innings on four extra-base hits. FIU responded in the fourth with a two-run single by Nelson Rivera Flores, followed by RBI hits from Austin Dearing and Samuel Fischer to cut the deficit in half, 8-4.
After Middle Tennessee tacked on a run in the fifth, FIU answered with three runs in the sixth. Alex Ulloa delivered a two-run single, scoring Dearing and Fischer, while a Brylan West hit-by-pitch brought the Panthers within two at 9-7.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead with two more runs in the sixth and a solo home run in the seventh, making it 11-7. FIU continued to fight as Ulloa ripped an RBI double in the eighth to bring home Kareh Valentin, but a wild pitch allowed Middle Tennessee to add an insurance run in the bottom of the frame to seal the win.
Easton Marks (2-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing nine runs over 4.1 innings with three strikeouts. Logan Runde pitched the final 3.2 innings, surrendering three earned runs while striking out three.
Offensively, three Panthers recorded multi-hit games. Ulloa led the charge with three hits and three RBI, continuing his hot streak from the leadoff spot with eight hits, nine RBI, and four multi-hit performances in his last five games.
Candelas posted back-to-back multi-hit games, including a double and a single on the night. Dearing reached base three times with two hits, tallying five hits over his last three contests. Fischer added four RBI singles in his last three games.Rivera Flores, Ildefonso, Valentin, and West also contributed hits.
UP NEXT
FIU prepares for game two of the series at Middle Tennessee. First pitch from Reese Smith Jr. Field is set for 4 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
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