Erick Caldera | Staff writer
What could have been an action-packed rivalry series turned into a nightmare for the Panthers as FIU (7-10, CUSA 0-0) dropped all three games to Florida Atlantic (9-6, AAC 0-0), extending its losing streak to five.
The Panthers now look to regroup as they return to the diamond against another Florida opponent, Florida Gulf Coast University (12-4, ASUN 0-0). The single-game matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m. at FIU Baseball Stadium.
The last time these two programs met was in April of last year, when the Eagles handed the Panthers a 15–8 loss. Trailing in the all-time series, FIU hopes to begin chipping away at the deficit and build momentum before heading into conference matchups.
FIU struggled to generate offense throughout the FAU series, managing just eight runs in three games. Trey Freeman added a highlight with his first home run of the season in the first game.
Cole Cleveland recorded his first home run of the season, launching a ball deep into right field. Despite those moments, the Panthers were unable to sustain any momentum at the plate.
On the mound, Preston Prince delivered a strong start in game one, recording two strikeouts while allowing just two hits and no runs. However, the bullpen ran into trouble later in the game as Quin McManmon surrendered four runs in his lone inning of work, ultimately taking the loss.
FIU’s recent struggles on the mound have been a factor in its losing streak, something the Panthers will look to correct as they prepare for their upcoming matchup with FGCU.
After their matchup with the Eagles, the Panthers will shift their focus to conference play. FIU travels to face Western Kentucky (9–8, CUSA 0–0) this weekend in its first conference series of the season.
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