MIAMI, FL – Following a win to end their recent losing streak, the FIU Baseball team went quiet at the plate today. Falling behind early in the game, the Panthers were able to score and cut their deficit in half.
However, the Bearkats followed up with a big inning late in the game, leaving FIU unable to respond. The Panthers went on to lose their rubber match finale against Sam Houston, 7-1.
Julian Mlodzinski Throws Career-High
The only upside to FIU’s gameday today was the outing from Julian Mlodzinski. He gave up two runs in the first on a two-out RBI single, but he did not let that shatter him. From the second inning all the way through the mid-point of the seventh, he was ruling the mound.
Still a 2-1 advantage for the Bearkats, Mlodzinski surrendered a solo home run with two outs. After he walked the next hitter, pitching coach Karsten Whitson came onto the field and removed him from the game.
Mlodzinski tossed a career-high of 6.2 innings on 109 pitches, which was also the longest any FIU starter had gone this season. The right-hander out of Hilton Head allowed seven hits, four walks, and three earned runs while also matching his career-best of four strikeouts.
have yourself a day Juju 👏
6⃣.2⃣IP (career-high)
4⃣ strikeouts (ties career-high)
3⃣ ER pic.twitter.com/l2FHrYCqNl— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) March 22, 2026
Bearkats Break Open
Jarek Woodward continued his short bullpen appearance into the eighth but had trouble finding the strike zone. A walk and a wild pitch cost him before he was taken out by Whitson. Quin McManmon didn’t fare any better, surrendering a stolen base, three walks, and a wild pitch, which scored a run.
That'll work!
Martinez doubles to LF against a drawn-in infield and plates 2 more!!
It's a 4-run 8th and the Kats' lead grows to 7-1 #EatEmUpKats pic.twitter.com/klMwvOOKyT
— Sam Houston Baseball (@BearkatsBSB) March 22, 2026
Jeremy Urena came in his relief, and the Bearkats scored three more runs off a pair of singles, making it a 7-1 game. Cooper Foster tossed a scoreless inning in the ninth.
Bats Silenced All Game Long
The lone run for the Panthers came in the third, and it didn’t come in the most fashionable way either. FIU was able to load up the bases with no outs rather quickly to begin the inning.
Andrew Ildefonso reached first on an error, Aidan Cohall singled, and Cole Cleveland was walked. Then, Aris Rivera reached first on a fielder’s choice. Looking to make a big impact, Luca Reyes was able to accomplish something but fell flat in the process.
His RBI came on a groundout into a double play to end the frame. Rivera was able to stall Sam Houston’s first baseman and shortstop on a rundown, allowing Cohall to score an unearned run. Reyes did get payback on a double play, however, by catching a flyout and then throwing a strike to third base to record an out.
The Panthers had multiple chances to get runs across home plate but failed to deliver each time. They went 0/4 at the plate when the bases were loaded and 0/12 when there were runners in scoring position. 11 runners were left stranded on the basepaths.
FIU totaled just four hits yet were able to draw eight walks and two hit by pitches. That’s 10 different plate appearances that were awarded. Cohall, Trey Freeman, Cooper Rasmussen, and Aris Rivera were the only hit contributors. Cleveland led the team with three bases on balls.
Defense Makes Spectacular Plays
Reyes got payback on a double play in the fourth by catching a flyout and then throwing a strike to third base to record an out. He finished the game with seven putouts and one assist in left field.
Luca turns two from left to end the frame 😱 pic.twitter.com/tfx1Ao2q68
— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) March 22, 2026
Catching runners stealing is something the Panthers have struggled with the most defensively all season. Aris Rivera was able to catch a runner attempting to steal second in the seventh. He had five putouts and an assist behind the plate.
goodbye😌@Aris_rivera32 pic.twitter.com/OAv8OLgj6r
— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) March 22, 2026
At first base, Cohall had six putouts and two assist contributions.
On Deck
The Panthers will have a few days to recuperate and get back on track against Liberty on the road this Friday, March 27 at 4:00 pm.
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