FIU Baseball Rallies From Behind, Stuns #24 FGCU Eagles

Miami, FL – FIU Baseball needed a motivational win to balance off their recent struggles, and while it took some late game heroics, the Panthers stunned the nationally ranked FGCU Eagles by a score of 5-4.

Thanks to the patience at the plate with Mike Rosario working the walk to drive in the game-winning run, FIU’s offense continued their hot streak while the defense did just enough to secure a big time win over FGCU.

Pitching Performance

Usually, you don’t expect much from a middle-of-the-week starter, but Christian Santana pitched three full innings and only allowed two runs while striking out two batters. Santana always kept the Panthers within striking distance.

The next three FIU relievers didn’t allow a single run. Between Zac Lampton, Evan Chenier, and Bryan Pazos, they only allowed two hits and struck out five. This may have been the best relief appearance we have seen from the Panthers in terms of having multiple relievers not give up a run.

Finally, a reliever did break this streak, and it was Cameron Knox who allowed a two-run homer to second baseman Edrick Felix. This gave the Eagles their first two runs of the game which allowed them to tie the game up 2-2 in the third inning.

Although the pitching staff gave up four runs, they limited FGCU to only six hits on the night and struck out a total of seven hitters.

The Cardiac Cats Win it in Extras

FIU got their offense going early in the game with left fielder Ceasar Franco. In his second start of the season, Franco smacked an RBI double to drive in DH Ryne Guida who had gotten a base hit a couple of at-bats prior.

Following Franco was catcher Craig Palidar who was making his very first start of the season. With an 0-1 count, Palidar smacked an RBI single to drive in Franco and give the Panthers an early 2-0 lead.

Palidar taking advantage of his first start as a Panther! #PawsUp

B2 – FIU 2, No. 24 FGCU 0 pic.twitter.com/1Pgu7NLW9l

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) April 19, 2023

After FIU got it going early, the Panthers were quiet throughout most of the game until we were able to see some free baseball.

In the bottom of the 11th, with the Panthers down two runs after FGCU hit the two-run homer to take a 4-2 lead, Alec Sanchez (Who was awarded a Roary Award for team MVP) got it going with a single. Ryne Guida followed Sanchez with a single of his own which moved Sanchez into scoring position.

Adrian Figueroa then grounded into a fielders choice which ended up taking out pinch runner Robert Sotolongo, but moved Sanchez to third. With one out in the game, Henry Wallen also grounded into a fielders choice which scored Sanchez, and with an error from shortstop Jake Mummau, Figueroa got on second.

Thanks to a wild pitch, Figueroa went to third and Wallen went to second base which now put both runners in scoring position. Bryan Loriga was intentionally walked following the wild pitch. FGCU thought that Brendan Roney would be an easy out, but they were wrong.

Bottom of the 11th … Bases Loaded … Two Outs …

AND HE DRAWS THE WALK TO WIN IT?!?!?!@RikeyMosario has 🧊 in his veins! #PawsUp pic.twitter.com/Id5xP4SFQz

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) April 20, 2023

Roney worked the 3-2 count and drove in Figueroa which then tied the game at four apiece. After Noel Perez struck out, the Panthers were down to their final out. Mike Rosario managed to work a walk and he walked it off for the Panthers in the bottom of the 11th to win the game and beat the ranked FGCU Owls.

What’s Next?

It doesn’t get any easier for the Panthers after the FGCU Eagles. FIU Baseball will welcome the nationally ranked UTSA Roadrunners on Friday, April 21st with first pitch being at 6:30pm. The Cats will continue the three-game series against UTSA for the rest of the weekend, with the final game in the series being on Sunday at noon.