Box score
MONROE, La. – Florida International scored seven runs in the first two innings en route to an 11-0 win over University of South Alabama baseball Friday in day three of the Sun Belt Conference Championship at Warhawk Field.
The game was called after the seventh inning due to the seven-inning mercy rule.
FIU (39-17-1) scored three runs in the top of the first on an RBI single by Rudy Flores, while Mike Martinez and Jose Behar each drove in a run after reaching on a fielder’s choice.
The Golden Panthers added four runs in the top of the second inning on a two-run double by Flores, RBI single by Martinez and sacrifice fly from Jabari Henry.
FIU added two runs in the top of the fifth on a two-run homer to left by Jabari Henry to take a 9-0 lead. The Golden Panthers added two runs in the top of the seventh on a bases-loaded, two-run single to left field by Flores.
Left-hander R.J. Fondon (6-5) tossed a complete game shutout, and allowed just five hits while striking out three and issuing three walks.
USA right-hander Dustin Crenshaw (7-3) suffered the loss in 1 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits with one walk. Carlton Paris allowed four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 relief innings with three strikeouts and five walks.
Five Golden Panthers recorded mutltiple hits in the contest, led by Flores who went 3-for-5 with a double, five RBI and a run scored. Jeremy Patton added three hits, and Pablo Bermudez, Garrett Wittels, and Behar had two hits apiece.
Taylor White went 2-for-4 to lead the Jags at the plate, while Jeff DeBlieux, Nolan Earley and Logan Kirkland had one hit each.
“We didn’t play well the first few innings, and FIU capitalized on it,” South Alabama head coach Steve Kittrell said. “They are such a good hitting team, and they made some things happen once we made mistakes. And (R.J.) Fondon threw a very good game. They are a hot team and they played very well.”
South Alabama will conclude its season Saturday at 3 p.m. against Arkansas State in day four of the Sun Belt Conference Championship.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
-USA-
NOTES: Friday’s loss marked the first time South Alabama has been shutout this season … White recorded his 23rd multiple-hit game of the season … USA fell to 25-23 all-time against FIU … Friday’s loss marked the Jags’ fifth consecutive loss to FIU.
