Erick Caldera | Staff writer
After dropping back-to-back games in a hard fought two-game series against No. 10 Florida, the Panthers (6-4, CUSA 0-0) will look to bounce back this weekend in a three-game series against Stony Brook.
The series begins Friday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at FIU Baseball Stadium, continues Saturday at 3 p.m., and concludes Sunday at 12 p.m.
FIU gave it their all in both games with batters keeping their aggressive approach. In game one Samuel Fischer recorded a three-hit performance, with Hector Candelas and Andrew Lldefonso each adding two hits.
The Panthers struggled on the mound and defensively throughout the series. Quin McManmon got the start in Game 1, striking out four while allowing two runs over the first two innings. Enrique Sierra followed in relief but surrendered five runs in a single inning, and Cooper Foster later allowed five runs as well, compounding the early damage.
Florida controlled most of Game 2, jumping out to an early 7–3 lead. Julian Mlodzinski, making his first start, allowed three runs in his lone inning of work, and Tracen Cameron was charged with the loss after surrendering three runs in relief.
Despite the loss, the Panthers stayed aggressive at the plate, belting two home runs in Game 2. Ildefonso launched his first of the season to left field in the third inning, and Mario Trivella followed with his fourth of the year in the fifth.
Following the Gators series, the Panthers have three in-state rivals remaining on their schedule — Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast and No. 17 Miami. To sustain their promising start, they’ll need to regroup and address the issues that surfaced against Florida.
About Post Author
