Erick Caldera | Staff Writer
What was supposed to be a high-stakes hometown rivalry game turned sour for the Panthers as they dropped their first matchup against the Hurricanes (15–6, ACC 2–4) 10–3. This loss extends their losing streak to 10 games.
The Panthers shift their focus toward a conference matchup with Sam Houston (9–11, CUSA 0–3). The series begins Friday at 6 p.m. at FIU Baseball Stadium, continues Saturday at 3 p.m. and concludes Sunday at noon.
The last time these programs met was last season in Houston, where the Panthers earned a 10–5 win. The all-time series is tied 3–3, and with momentum from their previous meeting, the Panthers hope to edge out another victory.
Against the Hurricanes, the Panthers came out swinging. In the first inning, Cooper Rasmussen launched a home run deep to left field in his first trip to the plate, his fourth of the season.
FIU added two more runs in the third and fourth innings, but despite staying aggressive at the plate, the offense couldn’t produce another run as the game slipped away.
The Panthers pitching struggles continued, as they allowed 10 runs on the night. Quin McManmon got the start, surrendering three runs over two innings of work.
Jeremy Urena followed in relief, striking out three while allowing three runs and taking his second loss of the season. FIU would send out three more pitchers before the game was called.
With a conference series on the line this weekend, the Panthers will need to make adjustments on both sides of the ball if they hope to secure a win. Following the series, FIU travels north to Virginia to face Liberty University (13–7, CUSA 1–2) in another key conference matchup.
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