Golden Panthers Pound Miami, 7-1

Wednesday, February 6, 2002

Golden Panthers Pound Miami 7-1

sold-out standing room only crowd of 2,473, the largest ever in the program's 29-year history, saw Florida International (2-1) defeat national champion Miami (2-2) 7-1 at University Park. FIU starter Josh Banks pitched five innings allowing one hit and one run while striking out a career-high 11 batters. This was the 100th meeting between the two programs. UM starter Brandon Camardese making his first career start, went four innings allowing four runs on eight hits.

The Golden Panthers took the first lead with three runs in the first. With the bases loaded senior Hector Nunez hit a RBI single scoring Alex Ansoleaga, who reached base on a single. Tommy Duenas followed with two-run single knocking in Daniel Bustamante and Brad Eldred to give FIU the 3-0 lead.

In the fourth inning Bernie Gonzalez hit a solo home run to left field, his first in his two-year career at FIU as the Golden Panthers increased their lead to 4-0.

The Hurricanes got on the board with their only run of the game in the fifth inning as Javy Rodriguez reached base on an error to third baseman Dean Adams and scored on Danny Figueroa's RBI double.

In the seventh inning the FIU bullpen ended a potential Hurricane rally as relief pitcher Carlos Sanchez replaced Arthur Santos with runners on second and third and got Kevin Howard to strike out and Danny Matienzo to end the inning on a ground out to second base.

FIU added to their lead in the seventh as Eldred singled to left field and reached third when Alex Suarez reached on an error by the second baseman. Duenas followed with his third RBI of the night with a single scoring Eldred. Gonalez continued his hot hitting as he tripled to straightaway center scoring Suarez and Duenas to give FIU the final score of 7-1. Gonzalez finished 2-3 with one home run and triple and three RBI. Duenas also went 2-3 with three RBI.

FIU will return to action Friday as they begin a three-game series against Florida A&M. The Golden Panthers will play the Hurricanes February 22 in Homestead, FL.