MIAMI – FIU's baseball program returns to Conference USA action this weekend as it hosts Kennesaw State for a three-game series at FIU Baseball Stadium.
Friday, April 10 vs Kennesaw State (15-14, 6-6 CUSA)
Saturday, April 11 vs Kennesaw State (15-14, 6-6 CUSA)
- Time / Site: 5 p.m. ET at FIU Baseball Stadium
- Starters: TBA vs TBA
Sunday, April 12 vs Kennesaw State (15-14, 6-6 CUSA)
- Time / Site: Noon ET at FIU Baseball Stadium
- Starters: TBA vs TBA
- Kids Day
FIU (10-23, 2-10 CUSA) looks to bounce back following a midweek loss at Miami on April 7. The Panthers trailed 9-2 entering the ninth inning before erupting for five runs, ultimately falling just short in a 9-7 decision.
In its last conference outing, FIU dropped two of three to Louisiana Tech but secured a win in the series opener on April 2.
Offensively, FIU has tallied 253 hits and 173 RBI, including 36 home runs—ranking among the top five in CUSA.
Cooper Rasmussen leads the team with a .309 batting average across 27 games, adding eight home runs and 16 RBI. The junior carries an 18-game on-base streak and has recorded hits in each of his last four contests, including a two-hit performance with a home run at Miami.
Samuel Fischer has been a steady presence in the lineup, posting a .903 OPS while starting all 33 games. He has recorded five doubles, three home runs, and 17 RBI, while leading the team with 30 walks and 12 hit-by-pitches.
Andrew Ildefonso paces the Panthers with 37 hits, along with nine doubles and 21 RBI. He has started all 33 games and recently notched his eighth multi-hit performance of the season, reaching base three times at Miami.
Cole Cleveland has found his rhythm at the plate, recording back-to-back multi-hit games with two RBI. Over his last five games, he has totaled six hits and five RBI, including a solo home run at Miami—his third of the season.
Mario Trivella leads the team with 29 RBI and is tied for fourth in CUSA with eight home runs. He has appeared in 32 games and has driven in four runs over his last five contests.
Aidan Cohall ranks second in CUSA and third nationally with 15 doubles. He has added 19 RBI and reached base nine times over his last five games.
On the mound, FIU has logged 286.2 innings with 263 strikeouts.
Tyrus Riley holds a 3.04 ERA over 23.2 innings with 26 strikeouts and is coming off a five-strikeout outing.
Preston Prince matched his career high with five innings pitched and six strikeouts in the series opener against Louisiana Tech.
Cooper Foster also delivered a career-best performance vs Louisiana Tech series, tossing four innings with five strikeouts.
Tyler Mecchella added a scoreless inning in relief at Miami.
Julian Mlodzinski leads the team with seven starts and 33.2 innings pitched, while
Jordan Vargas has not allowed an earned run over his last three appearances (4.2 innings).
HISTORY WITH KENNESAW STATE
This weekend marks the seventh, eighth, and ninth all-time meetings between the two programs, with Kennesaw State holding a 5-1 advantage in the series.
The teams met five times in 2025, with FIU being swept on the road before splitting matchups at the CUSA Championship. The Panthers earned a 9-3 win in the opening round before falling in the second round.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Kennesaw State enters the weekend with a 15-14 overall record and a 6-6 mark in CUSA play, sitting sixth in the conference standings. The Owls are coming off a series loss to Dallas Baptist but salvaged the finale with a 5-4 win. They also dropped an 11-4 midweek contest at No. 2 Georgia Tech on April 7.
Offensively, Jackson Chirello and Cooper Williams lead the team with 38 hits apiece. Chirello also paces the Owls with seven home runs, 24 RBI, and 10 doubles. James McGee has added 23 RBI with five home runs, while Wesley Alig has driven in 18 runs. Catcher Aaron Posey is hitting .279 with 12 RBI in 21 games.
On the mound, Cooper McMullen leads the team with eight starts and a 4.58 ERA across 35.1 innings. Nolan Silver has logged 30.1 innings with 27 strikeouts. Out of the bullpen, Daniel Powell has been dominant with a 1.97 ERA, striking out 34 batters over 32 innings while recording four saves. Harry Cain has made 12 appearances, posting a 5.25 ERA in 24 innings.
UP NEXT
FIU hosts prepares for game two of the series on Saturday, April 11 at 5 p.m.. It will be streamed live on ESPN+ from FIU Baseball Stadium.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU tickets to FIU home games, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit
HERE.
BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2026 FIU baseball season is 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 X and
@FIU.Baseball on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at
@FIUAthletics on X and Instagram.
