FIU falls 3-2 in heartbreaker against FAMU

Baseball

By Brett Shweky/Editor

Florida A&M’s eighth inning rally ended up being the difference maker against the FIU Panthers on Tuesday night at the FIU Baseball Stadium.

After trailing 2-1 heading into the frame, the Rattlers (5-10) orchestrated a two-run inning off an RBI single and an unearned run as they surged themselves past the Panthers (5-6) to win 3-2.

The Panthers committed two errors during the eighth which ultimately led to their late-game demise.  

Gio Soto (0-1), who earned the loss for FIU, allowed a double and RBI single in the eighth to give the Rattlers the tying score.

Greyson Fletcher received the nod to relieve Soto in the inning but failed to restrict the Rattlers from gaining the advantage.

Later in the frame, Florida A&M’s Jared Weber scored the game-leading run on a fielder’s choice after being able to advance to second base earlier on an error by FIU shortstop John Rodriguez.

Jamie Grant (1-0) picked up the victory for the Rattlers, while Jeremiah McCollum (S, 1) recorded the save.

FIU starter Franco Aleman pitched six innings for the Panthers with him allowing only one run and striking out a career-high eight batters.

In the fourth inning, Austin Shenton reeled in his fourth round-tripper of the season after launching the ball over the right field wall to give the Panthers a temporary 2-1 advantage.

Shenton paced the FIU bats throughout the contest with him going two-for-three at the plate while collecting two RBI.

Jarrett Ford scored the opening run of the night for the Panthers after advancing home on Shenton’s SAC fly in the first inning.    

FIU and Florida A&M will close out their two-game midweek series on Wednesday at 7 p.m. from the FIU Baseball Stadium.

Following their final game against the Rattlers, the Panthers will then host Seton Hall for a three-game weekend series.