FIU Baseball Dominates, Sweeps Stonehill To Begin 2025

MIAMI, FL –  Who knows what the road ahead will look like, but the FIU baseball program can say they began this season on fire with a SWEEP over Stonehill, winning Monday’s finale by a score of 12-2.

Nothing Strange, Just Pure Domination

While FIU won its first three games, it wasn’t without stress. Friday’s contest had to go to extras to be decided, while Saturday’s game concluded with another walk-off win. Sunday looked like a blowout, but even a 17-run lead didn’t feel safe, as Stonehill dropped 14 of its own.

Today, however, FIU did a better job limiting Stonehill’s explosive potential. While a slew of relievers was called in to stop the bleeding on Sunday, Monday only required three total pitchers. Jarek Woodward and Jaydon Bishop provided seven innings of work with only seven hits and two allowed runs.

On the other end, the Panthers’ bats looked as hot as ever forcing the first run-rule of the season. Seven total runs were scored in the second, third, and fourth innings combined, giving FIU an early 7-1 lead.

Stonehill responded with a solo home run in the fourth, but FIU answered right back with five runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

The Early Playmakers To Look Out For

So far this season, there have been some names on offense that Panther fans will have to keep a sharp eye out for. These include both newcomers and veterans who have gotten to a hot start.

Brylan West has a .500 batting average with nine hits in 18 at-bats. It includes four doubles and a home run as West continues to build off a remarkable first season with FIU in 2024.

As far as a newcomer, Albert Serrano is making a case to become the face of the team. He also has a .500 batting average with five hits from 10 at-bats. But with eight RBIs and two runs, he’s looking like the early slugger that pitchers need to watch out for.

Cole Cleveland and Alex Ulloa are both solid influencers on a Panthers’ offense that could be as efficient as they were last year. Granted, they’ve left a staggering 49 runners on base in four games, which could show potential for this offense to improve. If they can, they could be a force to reckon with for any pitching staff in baseball, let alone Conference USA.

With the win, FIU improves to 4-0. This is the program’s best start since 2022. They’ll look to keep the good times rolling against Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday, February 19th at 6pm. This was meant to be played in Daytona, but due to inclement weather up north, the game has been moved to the 305.