By Brett Shweky/Editor
Despite a late ninth inning effort, the FIU Panthers dropped the final outing of their two-game series against South Dakota State on Saturday, Feb. 23 as the team lost 4-3 in Port Charlotte, Fla.
With two outs remaining in the ninth inning, designated hitter Adan Fernandez hit a centerfield homer to bring the Jackrabbits’ lead within one run as well as put FIU in the position to pull of a potential comeback.
South Dakota State (3-2) closer Drew Beazley ended the Panthers’ hopes with him forcing out right fielder Juan Teixeira on a ground out and pinch-hitter Javier Valdes on a fielder’s choice.
Second baseman Derek Cartaya scored the opening two runs of the contest by doubling in the third inning to send shortstop John Rodriguez and Texiera to home plate.
The Jackrabbits collected a run in the third on a throwing error by FIU pitcher Nick MacDonald and another in the fourth inning on a Logan Holtz home run to tie the game 2-2.
MacDonald lasted on the mound for the Panthers (3-3) for six innings and allowed three hits and two runs while also striking out seven batters.
Later in the seventh, Holtz scored the game-leading run for South Dakota State by reaching home on a sacrifice fly from Derek Hackman.
Braeden Brown launched the ball over the centerfield wall in the eighth inning to tack on a security run for the Jackrabbits.
Right-hander Christian Santana earned the loss for FIU after coming in for MacDonald during the bottom of the seventh. Santana pitched in two innings for the Panthers and gave up one hit, two runs and struck out three.
With the Snowbird Baseball Classic in the books, the Panthers will return to FIU Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 27 to face off against the rivaled Miami Hurricanes. Start time is set for 7 p.m.
