MIAMI – The FIU baseball team used a six-run seventh inning to secure a 7-3 victory over Florida Atlantic in Friday night's series opener at FIU Baseball Stadium.
Trailing 2-1 in the seventh, the Panthers (12-3) erupted for six runs on three hits in the inning, marking their fourth consecutive home win against Florida Atlantic (10-3). A pair of two-run singles highlighted the decisive inning.
FIU's 12-3 start is its best through 15 games since 2014 and the strongest under third-year head coach
Rich Witten.
Andrew Ildefonso sparked the rally with an RBI double to left-center, tying the game at two. With the bases loaded,
Kishon Frett—who leads the nation in hit-by-pitches (11)—was plunked to push FIU ahead. Freshman
Cole Cleveland and senior
Alex Ulloa then delivered clutch two-run singles to extend the lead to 7-2.
The game was a pitchers' duel early, with FIU striking first in the third inning as
Kareh Valentin launched his third home run of the season—a solo shot to left.
Florida Atlantic responded in the sixth, plating two runs with an RBI single and a two-out RBI knock to claim a 2-1 lead. The Owls added a solo homer in the eighth, but FIU's bullpen held firm to clinch the win.
Starter
Easton Marks delivered a career-high six innings, allowing two runs and striking out five, including five no-hit frames to open the game. Out of the bullpen,
Juan Villarreal earned his third win of the season, surrendering just one run over three innings while striking out three.
Offensively, six Panthers registered hits, and five players scored. Valentin reached base twice with a homer, while
Austin Dearing contributed a single and a walk. The bench played a key role, as Cleveland and Ildefonso combined for three RBIs.
Brylan West and Ulloa also tallied hits in the victory.
UP NEXT
FIU will continue the home-and-home series with Florida Atlantic taking game two to Boca Raton on Saturday, March 8. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. and can be streamed on FAUSports.TV
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Presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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