Baseball looks to get back on track against Sam Houston

Adrien Benitez | Editor

The FIU baseball team plays the second game of a three-game series against the Sam Houston Bearkats on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

Coming into this game, the Panthers held a 25-23 overall record and suffered a 7-1 loss in the first game of their series against the Bearkats on Friday, May 10. In this match, they struggled to keep up with their opponent’s score after sacrificing an early lead.

To start the game, junior infielder Walker Janek launched a solo home run to left field and gave SHSU an early 1-0 lead.

Following Janek’s opening score, neither team was able to score until the fourth inning, where the Bearkats were able to strike again. Senior outfielder Jeffrey David’s hit was bounced to left field and resulted in another solo home run.

Able to enter the fifth inning with a 2-0 advantage, SHSU continued to put pressure on the FIU defense. Janek had a hit that resulted in a groundout, but allowed freshman Jace Martinez to reach home plate and score.

Facing a 3-0 deficit, the Panthers needed a score to keep the game within competitive reach. Adopting a defensive stance, they managed to hold their opponent scoreless through the sixth and seventh innings.

Preventing a complete-game shutout on the scoreboard, junior infielder Brendan Roney hit a solo home run during the seventh inning. His score cut the Bearkats’ lead to 3-1 with two ends remaining in regulation.

Despite Roney’s score, FIU’s offensive momentum proved short-lived. Sparked by another Janek score, SHSU scored three runs in the seventh inning and took a 6-1 lead.

After sacrificing a lead late in the game, there was too little time left for the Panthers to come back. Held scoreless for the rest of the match, they suffered a 7–1 defeat and lost their fourth game in five games.

The intensity they showed made the Bearkats stand out on the defensive side of the ball. In their last two games, they have only allowed three runs, which shows their ability to stop opposing teams at the plate.

There were many missed opportunities throughout the match. On offense, FIU finished four innings with two runners stranded. In total, FIU left seven runners in scoring position on the basepaths.

Another problem for the Panthers came in defensive breakdowns. In their previous series against Liberty, they lost their last two games due to giving up a lot of runs in the span of an inning or two.

A similar fate befell late in that game, as FIU gave up four decisive runs in its final two defensive frames.

Janek was a major thorn in the side of the defense, recording a solo homer, two RBIs and two runs in the contest.

If the Panthers wish to emerge victorious from this series, they must reestablish their offensive rhythm against the rotation of the Bearkats. They also need to avoid the same defensive collapses that cost them Game 1 and find a way to slow down Janek’s breakneck pace.

After a loss, the FIU baseball team looks to bounce back against the Sam Houston State Bearkats on Friday, May 11, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at FIU Ballpark and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Follow Adrian Benitez on X: @ab305fiu