MIAMI – FIU's baseball program secured a 7–5 victory Saturday afternoon over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at FIU Baseball Stadium in Conference USA (CUSA) action.
The Panthers (16–34, 7–19 CUSA) were tied at 5–5 in the eighth inning before a
Caden Sammler two-run home run lifted FIU to a key weekend win, evening the series and setting up a chance to secure a conference victory in Sunday's home finale.
Middle Tennessee struck first in the opening inning with a solo home run and added a second run in the second on an RBI single to take a 2–0 lead. FIU responded in a big way in the bottom half, plating four runs in the second inning.
Aidan Cohall opened the frame with a solo home run, his fifth of the season and second straight game with a long ball. After a Sammler single and a
Cole Cleveland hit-by-pitch,
Samuel Fischer delivered a three-run home run to left-center field, his sixth of the year, giving FIU a 4–2 lead.
In the third, FIU extended the advantage when
Andrew Ildefonso launched his seventh home run of the season to left field, pushing the lead to 5–2.
Middle Tennessee chipped away, scoring two runs in the fourth on a sacrifice fly and RBI single to make it 5–4, then eventually tied the game in the eighth after a leadoff double and a sacrifice bunt set up an RBI groundout.
FIU answered immediately. After Cohall drew a walk, Sammler delivered the decisive blow with a two-run home run to regain the lead at 7–5.
Tyrus Riley then shut the door in the ninth, striking out two batters to secure the win.
On the mound,
Julian Mlodzinski made his team-leading 12th start, allowing two earned runs over 3.2 innings with one strikeout.
George Adams provided strong relief, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts, extending his recent stretch to nine strikeouts over his last 7.2 innings. Riley earned the win with two innings of work, allowing one earned run while striking out key batters to finish it.
Offensively, FIU finished with six hits. Fischer led the way, going 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and three RBIs while reaching base three times. Sammler added a two-hit performance highlighted by the game-winning homer. Cohall, Ildefonso, and Fischer each homered, while
Mario Trivella was hit by two pitches.
Cole Cleveland and Rasmussen also reached via hit-by-pitch.
UP NEXT
FIU closes out the series on Sunday, May 10 at noon in the home finale at FIU Baseball Stadium and streamed live on ESPN+. In addition, FIU will honor 14 seniors for Senior Day with the ceremony at 11:40 AM and streamed live on FIUSports.com.
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BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2026 FIU baseball season is presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics
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