BOCA RATON, FL – Last season’s bullpen that FIU had has been missed throughout this season. On Saturday, it was the bullpen that was the reason for FIU’s 6-5 loss in Boca Raton to the Florida Atlantic Owls.
Going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Panthers led 5-3. They went with senior Jaydon Bishop, who made his fifth appearance of the season. After getting FIU out of the sixth, he was summoned for another inning of work.
One Bad Inning In Boca
After beginning the inning with a strikeout, Bishop surrendered a base hit and back-to-back walks to load the bases. Bishop recorded the second out of the inning, striking out outfielder Marshall Lipsey.
Junior outfielder Jake Duer tied the game at five apiece on an RBI single, and Nick Romano followed him up with an RBI single, driving in the go-ahead run, giving FAU a 6-5 lead.
FIU’s offense has struggled towards the top of the order. Brylan West and Kishon Frett, arguably the most productive hitters, went 0-10 on the night. It was the bottom of the order that gave FIU a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning.
Catcher Brendan Roney had himself a three-hit game, knocking in two RBIs. One to drive in the game’s first run and another in the top of the fourth inning. This marked the graduate student’s first three-hit game since May 14, 2023.
Austin Dearing was the only other Panther who had a multi-hit game. It was his fifth multi-hit game of the season.
There Will Be No Sweep
Owen Puk, who made his fifth start of the season, got off to a great start, keeping Florida Atlantic hitless through the first three frames. In the bottom of the fourth, Puk got into trouble allowing back-to-back hits and a wild pitch, which moved both runners into scoring position.
Georgia Tech transfer Nick Romano smacked an RBI single to right field, driving in both runners and making it a 3-2 game. After Puk issued his lone walk of the game, he was removed. David Ecakus came in and allowed the inherited runner that Puk left on.
Puk finished the night going three innings, allowing three runs, walking one, and striking out three.
With the loss, FIU has a 12-4 record, yet to win a road game this season. FIU will welcome FAU for the final game of the three-game set on Sunday, March 9th, at noon. Logan Runde will toe the rubber for the Panthers.
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