Dante Girardi powers FIU Panthers over St. Thomas

Miami, Florida – Dante Girardi not only hit his first homer of the year but drove in the deciding run helping the FIU Panthers outlast the St. Thomas Tommies. The 3-1 victory moved the blue and gold into a great position to sweep the weekend series. The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader was suspended due to rain with the two teams resuming the next morning.

Storm clouds rolled in during the fourth inning with lightning reported in the area causing the initial delay. A downpour soon followed as fans scrambled for shelter. The score was tied 1-1 at the top of the fifth.

B2 | ¡ADIOS PELOTA!

GIRARDI SMOKES ONE TO LEFT AND WE ARE TIED!

FIU 1, UST 1#PawsUp🐾 | #PantherPride

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 19, 2022

The two teams were locked in a pitcher’s duel between Walker Retz and Kevin Martin. Both squads scored their lone runs in the second frame. Girardi was unable to glove Jonah Hoeg’s pop fly in shallow right allowing Kyle Halverson to score from second on the play. He made up for it taking Retz deep to left field to even the score.

Using bat and glove

Evan Esch and Orlando Hernandez replaced the starters when play resumed. With a runner in scoring position, Hernandez got a big hand from the defense. Girardi gloved Sam Kulesa’s line drive making sure Ben Vujovich was out at second for the double play. The sophomore second baseman used his bat once more hitting an RBI single bringing Steven Ondina home for the 2-1 lead. Ondina led off the sixth inning with a walk, advancing to second on Alec Sanchez’s sacrifice bunt.

B6 | GIRARDI DELIVERS!!!!!

A bunt single scores Ondina and gives FIU the lead!

FIU 2, UST 1#PawsUp 🐾 | #PantherPride

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 20, 2022

The shortstop then snuck over to third swiping his first bag of the year. Girardi showed he can do it all hitting the run-inducing single up the middle. Matthew Gonzalez joined in with his second hit of the game, another RBI single to right field. Adrian Figueroa crossed the plate for the 3-1 insurance run.

Hernandez pitched three scoreless innings holding the Tommies to a single hit grabbing the win.

Closing Thoughts

It’s a strong start to the campaign. Honestly, I had the Tommies taking two out of four but the Panthers have shown otherwise. Florida International travels to Daytona Beach to face Bethune-Cookman Tuesday night. FIU will host both Seton Hall and Michigan next weekend.