FIU Baseball Opens Up Delaware Series With Dominant W

MIAMI, FL – The 5-0 FIU Panthers made it 6-0 on Friday night, defeating the Delaware Blue Hens by a final score of 6-2.

Starting in his second game of the season, Owen Puk surrendered one run on two hits. He struck out three and walked two in his three innings of work. Entering the game for Puk was JUCO transfer Juan Villarreal who gave the Panthers three shutout innings, striking out four, walking one and not allowing a hit. Redshirt freshman Tracen Cameron was awarded the save.

Going into Friday night’s game, FIU led the country with 22 hits by pitches. Following the game, they extended their lead with five more. 

Lead-off hitter Brylan West worked a walk and three straight Panthers were hit by a pitch, driving in the first run of the game. Third baseman Javier Crespo worked a bases-loaded walk, driving in the game’s second run, and freshman Cole Cleveland hit a sac grounder to drive in the third run of the inning.

FIU’s Kishon Frett hit an RBI triple to drive in Brylan West in the bottom of the fourth inning. Hector Candelas drove in Frett on an RBI single to add their fifth run of the night.

JUCO transfer Kareh Valentin hit his first FBS home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give FIU a 6-2 lead.

With the win, the Panthers stay undefeated and will take on the Blue Hens on Saturday at 5:00 pm. Easton Marks will toe the rubber for FIU.