The FIU baseball team secured a decisive 10-5 victory against Middle Tennessee, clinching their second consecutive Conference USA series win. The Panthers showcased impressive offensive and pitching performances, highlighted by three home runs and a career-best outing from Owen Puk.

This win marks FIU's best start to a season since 2014, underlining the strength of their third-year head coach Rich Witten’s leadership. Up next, they face the Miami Hurricanes on April 2 at 6 p.m.

Panthers Dominate Offensively with Explosive Homers

The Panthers wasted no time establishing dominance as they surged ahead with six unanswered runs through the first six innings. Their offense was powered by three solo home runs, demonstrating the team's ability to deliver critical hits when it mattered most. Players such as Alex Ulloa, Cole Cleveland, and Brylan West contributed significantly to this explosive performance.

In the fourth inning, Ulloa hit his fourth homer of the season, leading the RBI count for the team. Later, Javier Crespo added an RBI single, extending the lead further. Cleveland followed up with a long ball in the fifth inning, and West replicated the feat in the sixth, each contributing crucially to the Panthers' early advantage. These efforts set the tone for the game, showcasing the depth and consistency of FIU's hitting prowess.

Strong Pitching Performance Secures Victory

Owen Puk delivered an outstanding performance, striking out a career-high eight batters over five scoreless innings. His exceptional display helped maintain the Panthers' lead despite Middle Tennessee's counterattack in the sixth inning. The bullpen also played a pivotal role, ensuring that FIU maintained control throughout the match.

After conceding five runs in the sixth, the Panthers' relief pitchers Jaydon Bishop and Kevin Martin stepped up, collectively delivering 3.2 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. This teamwork ensured that the Blue Raiders could not mount a significant comeback. Additionally, the Panthers capitalized on scoring opportunities in the seventh and ninth innings, sealing their victory with strategic plays and timely hits. The combination of effective pitching and clutch hitting proved vital in securing this crucial win.