Florida International tops Eastern Michigan 5-2

Saturday, February 1, 2003

Florida International tops Eastern Michigan 5-2
Box Score

espite giving up a two-run lead in the eighth, Florida International University pulled out a 5-2 win over Eastern Michigan Saturday afternoon at University Park. Freshman outfielder Brian Aragon (Miami, Florida Christian) scored the winning run, reaching home on a wild pitch, and senior lefthander Derek Taylor recorded his second win of the season as FIU improved to 4-0 this year.

The Golden Panthers built an early lead thanks to a lead-off home run, FIU's first of the year, from senior outfielder Adam Summerell. Summerell, who ended up 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, was playing in his second contest of the season after missing opening weekend with a hamstring injury.

FIU manufactured its second run in the third inning. With one out, Summerell doubled to right center. Freshman infielder Bryan Pullin then doubled to left center, advancing Summerell to third. After Aragon walked and junior outfielder Fernando Alvarez struck out swinging, Summerell reached home on a wild pitch.

Eastern Michigan tied the game in the top of the eighth on a two-run blast from Brad Hrovat. That set the stage for Aragon's heroics in the bottom half.

Senior infielder Skip Adams finished the scoring with a two-run jack to give the Golden Panthers a three-run cushion.

Junior righthander Josh Banks pitched his second-straight no-decision, leaving the game after the seventh inning with a no-hitter and eleven strikeouts. The seven innings pitched and eleven strikeouts tied personal bests, established last Saturday against Florida A&M.

Freshman righthander Edgar Ramirez (Miami, Southridge) recorded his second career save, pitching the ninth inning.

Florida International concludes its series with Eastern Michigan tomorrow at 1:00 at University Park. The game will be broadcast on Radiate 88, FIU's student radio station. The game can be heard on 88.1 FM in Miami or on the Internet at http://wrgp.fiu.edu/sports. For ticket information, call 866-FIU-GAME.