Pitching Falters Late As Bucknell Shocks FIU Baseball

MIAMI, FL – With a win in sight, everything clicked for FIU today except their pitching in the final frame, as the Panthers blew a 4-1 lead to Bucknell by allowing seven runs in the ninth inning. Considering the opponent, this might be the most disappointing loss of the season thus far.

It’s a shame that one of Brylan West’s best performances at-bat as a Panther was wasted. The senior managed four hits on five at-bats, including two home runs (The second time he’s done this) and three RBIs this season.

Going West But Falling East

Bucknell took an early 1-0 lead on a wild pitch in the first, but West answered back with his first home run, this one a leadoff dinger, to stop the Buson in their tracks.

West then took the lead with a two-run jack, bringing some Kareh Valentin in the process. Speaking of Valentin, he was able to extend FIU’s lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single. With a 4-1 lead and dominant pitching, the game felt over.

That was thanks in part to Easton Marks. After giving up that lone run, he locked in. In 5.1 innings of work, he only allowed three hits while striking out seven batters. David Eckaus then came in and didn’t allow a single hit in two innings.

Unfortunately, Kevin Martin couldn’t close the game for FIU in the ninth. His time on the mound was disastrous, allowing four hits, three walks, and SEVEN earned runs. For his efforts, his ERA skyrocketed to 8.04, and he took home the loss.

FIU attempted to rally in the bottom of the ninth but ran out of outs after two runs.

Thanks to the unprecedented loss, the Panthers now stand with a record of 13-7. With CUSA play on the horizon, FIU will look to close this series against Bucknell with a pair of wins, starting on Saturday, March 15th at 5pm.