FIU Offense Explodes In Game Two Win Over Liberty

MIAMI, FL – Despite a tough result on Friday night for the FIU Panthers, losing head coach Rich Witten for the second of a three-game set against the Liberty Flames, the offense came out swinging and they won by a final score of 10-4.

Following the conclusion of Friday’s 4-2 loss, FIU head coach Rich Witten received a postgame ejection. That resulted in a one-game suspension. Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Brian Jeroloman was the acting head coach.

The Panthers reached the double-digit scoring marker for the first time since April 2nd. That was when FIU defeated the Miami Hurricanes by a final score of 10-2

This Is When It Got Good

In the bottom of the second inning, Panthers third baseman Javier Crespo hit his third home run of the season, going 417 feet to right field, giving FIU an early 2-0 lead. 

In the inning that followed, designated hitter Andrew Ildefonso smacked an RBI double, driving in two more runs. Austin Dearing hit a two-run shot for his fifth homer of the season. His fourth home run of the season gave FIU a 6-1 lead.

OPPO TACO MAGIC! @austinndearing 🪄

AD does it again! pic.twitter.com/fHNot7ho1k

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) May 10, 2025

Kishon Frett, who had been struggling, hit his 19th home run of the season to dead center, giving FIU an 8-1 lead. It was a two-run homer. He was 2-20 going into Saturday’s contest. It was Frett’s first home run since April 29 against Florida Atlantic. This snaps a five-game streak without a homer for the FIU redshirt senior.

A Coach When He Needs To Be

“He’s the headline of every scouting report,” said acting head coach Brian Jeroloman. “No matter what, he’s always gonna be pitched too tough. When going over scouting with players, it’s going to be tougher for him because that’s what they do against the majority.”

“That’s not what they do against a guy like Kishon Frett, but he needed it for himself. It’s special when it’s a bomb too, and to center field, but seeing him smile again going around the bases, he’s such an important factor.”

KISH CASH IS SOOOO BACK 💥

A two-run shot for his 19th HR on the season! pic.twitter.com/lDOAyTgwa2

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) May 10, 2025

FIU starter Jarek Woodward set a new career-high with 4 ⅓ innings pitched. He allowed three runs on four hits, two walks, and strikeouts.  He threw a total of 64 pitches. Senior reliever Jaydon Bishop entered the game with an inherited runner, who scored the third run of the ballgame for the Flames.

With the win, FIU matched its 2023 win total of 27, and with a win on Sunday, they will clinch a spot in the 2025 Conference USA Tournament, which will take place in Lynchburg, Virginia.

About Post Author

Kevin Barral

Hello, my name is Kevin Barral. I am currently covering FIU Football for Lemon City, but have been covering Miami Marlins baseball since the 2021 season with Fish Stripes and that has been my main forte so far in my young sports media career. I am excited to cover FIU Football this season and moving forward. I love to travel, play sports, and go out with my friends to Flanigans when not covering or writing.

See author's posts