FIU Baseball Eliminated In Losers Bracket By WKU, Wrap Up 2024 Season

FIU Baseball’s magical season ended on Friday afternoon as they fell to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers by a final score of 8-5.

After trailing 1-0, designated hitter Ryne Guida smacked what ended up being his final RBI of his FIU career to drive in Brylan West, tying the game at one apiece. That was Guida’s 56th RBI of the season.

Guida will end his FIU career on a high note, driving in 106 runs through his two seasons, and is almost a lock to be selected in the upcoming MLB Draft.

The hit tool, consisting of high exit velocities and low strikeout percentage, will garner the interest of multiple teams. Guida will need to begin spending more time on the field. He is more than capable of playing first base.

Jeff Liquori, who also played his final game as a Panther, drove in Guida on an RBI double to right field. That was Liquori’s 47th RBI of the season and ended up being his final RBI as a Panther, but it was one to take a 2-1 lead.

Alex Ulloa, a piece who the Panthers will rely on heavily next season drove in Liquori. It was the shortstop’s 36th RBI of the season.

There’s always the belief that a team will take Ulloa in the 2024 MLB Draft given his underrated power, strong arm, and great athleticism.

It’s certainly a hit-tool that’ll play in the minor leagues. If selected and he signs, head coach Rich Witten will need to search for his third shortstop in three years.

Armando Becerra turned it up a notch when conference play began and on Friday, the Panthers center fielder hit his eighth home run of the season to put the Panthers within one in the top of the sixth inning.

Becerra then drove in the Panthers’ fifth and final run of the game, ending the season off on a high note.

The Hilltoppers scored three more to take the lead and the win.

FIU is officially eliminated from the 2024 Conference USA Tournament. The Hilltoppers are now set to face Dallas Baptist twice to make a run at the CUSA championship.