SAN ANTONIO — FIU scored half of its runs on a pair of home runs to defeat UTSA, 8-4, in Sunday’s rubber game at Roadrunner Field.
The Panthers (15-16, 4-5 C-USA) hit a three-run home run in the seventh and then hit a solo shot in the ninth, which accounted for half their runs.
Sunday’s contest was scoreless through the first four innings before the Roadrunners (11-16, 2-7 C-USA) scored first on a two-run single by Mason George in the fifth.
FIU answered back in the sixth with three runs and then plated four runs in the seventh to lead by a score of 7-2.
UTSA was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position in the sixth. Ryan Stacy and Bryan Arias walked and singled, respectively, and then moved up a base on a wild pitch by Dominic LoBrutto. However, back-to-back strikeouts ended the inning for the Roadrunners.
The Panthers homered for the second time in the ninth on a solo shot by Nick Day to make it 8-2.
The Roadrunners made a last attempt in the ninth after Skyler Valentine singled up the middle and Tyler Straub drew a two-out walk. George was hit by a pitch to load the bases and C.J. Pickering singled to center to drive in two runs to wrap up the scoring.
In all, both pitching staffs combined for 13 walks on the day.
FIU starter Garrett Cave got the win in five innings of action. Cave faced one batter in the sixth and issued a game-high six walks and gave up two runs on three hits.
Meanwhile, Patrick Herbelin took the loss in one inning on the hill. Herbelin allowed three runs on three hits.
UTSA will hit the road on Tuesday, April 5, for a 6 p.m. tilt at I-35 rival Texas State.