Brett Shweky// Staff Writer
FIU scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to rally back from a three-run deficit to defeat Charlotte, 5-4, Saturday night at the FIU ballpark.
The Panthers (12-8, 1-1 C-USA) evened the three-game series with the 49ers (12-7, 1-1 C-USA).
Through seven-plus innings, the 49ers were able to establish a controlling 4-1 lead over the Panthers. Charlotte starter Josh Maciejewski to this point only allowed two hits to the FIU batters.
With one out in the bottom of the eighth, the Panthers began their comeback. It started when freshman right fielder Adam Sevario advanced to first after being hit by a pitch. Pinch hitter Christian Khawam singled and took second base after the throw to third base. Sevario scored the second run for FIU, when senior shortstop Irving Lopez reached on an error by the first baseman.
Freshman left fielder Javier Valdes doubled into the left center gap, allowing Khawam and Lopez to score, evening the score 4-4. Catcher Zack Soria followed up with an RBI single to center field off Charlotte’s Jonah Patten, to score pinch-runner Jack Schaaf, to put the Panthers up 5-4.
Head Coach Mervyl Melendez said that if FIU wants to become a great team, the players need to learn how to come back in games.
“If you want to become a great baseball team, you need to learn how to play from behind,” said Melendez. “Winning a game when you’re not necessarily at your best at the beginning, but you’re able to will yourself into victory, is important for any great team.”
Senior left-hander Alex Demchak (1-0) replaced starter Chris Mourelle in the top of the seventh. Demchak pitched 1 ⅔ innings, allowed one hit, one walk and struck out three opposing batters. Mourelle went through 6 ⅓ innings, giving up four runs off of eight hits.
Franklin Van Gurp threw the final inning for the Panthers, allowed zero runs while striking out two to record his first FIU save.
Valdes hit his first collegiate home run in the fourth inning, sending the ball over the left field fence. The freshman finished going 2 for 4 with three RBI.
Valdes said that hitting his first collegiate home run definitely increased his confidence throughout the rest of the game.
“It was bound to happen,” said the freshman outfielder. “Unfortunately it happened this late in the year, but I’m really glad that it happened because it really built some confidence in me. I’d been in a hitting slump as of late, so it’s nice to have more confidence while going up to the plate.”
The final game of the three-game series will be on Sunday at noon from the FIU ballpark.
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