Official Box Score

MIAMI, Fla. -- Florida International hit three three-run home runs, while Corey Polizzano held South Alabama to just seven hits in eight innings as the Golden Panthers opened the weekend series with a 12-2 victory over the Jaguars. Clint Toomey went 3-for-4 with a home run to pace USA's offensive attack.

South Alabama (28-21, 13-12) jumped out to an early lead when Toomey hit his first home run of the season in the top of the first.

Florida International (19-33, 10-15) evened the game in the second when Steven Stropp tripled with and scored on a wild pitch. The Golden Panthers took the lead for good in the third when Tyler Townsend hit an 0-1 pitch over the right field fence for a three-run homer.

The Jaguars cut the deficit to 4-2 after David Doss led off the sixth with a double, advanced to third on a flyout and scored when Sean Laird flied out. But FIU broke the game open with four runs in bottom of the frame. With one out, Townsend singled and took second on a wild pitch. A dropped fly by Laird put runners on the corners before a bunt single brought in the first run. Anthony Boza followed with the team’s second three-run home run of the contest, putting FIU up 8-2.

The Golden Panthers added a run in the seventh and a three-run home run in the by Jorge Castillo in the eighth to complete the victory.

“We just got outplayed and outcoached tonight,” Head Coach Steve Kittrell said. “They played like a team with a much better record and we didn't play as good as our record is. We need to regroup and be better tomorrow.”

Eric Gonzalez (6-6) took the loss for the Jaguars, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in six innings. He surrendered 12 hits, while striking out five and walking one. Michael Raia allowed three runs in two innings of relief. Polizzano (5-6) also struck out five and walked one, but scattered seven hits before giving way to Carlos Martinez.

The series continues with game two Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. Central time. The Jaguars can clinch a spot in the Sun Belt Conference tournament with wins in the next two games.