Saturday, February 9, 2002

Golden Panthers rally with three runs in eighth to win 6-5 against FAMU

lorida International (4-1) defeated Florida A&M 6-5 Saturday afternoon for their fourth consecutive win. The Golden Panthers rallied with three runs in the bottom of the eighth keyed by a Bernie Gonzalez double and RBI singles by Solomon Frieder and Michael New. Derek Taylor pitched the eighth for his first win as a Golden Panther and Luis Gazitua pitched the ninth for his first save of the 2002 season.

The Rattlers scored first with four runs in the second. With the bases loaded Vince Palmer scored after FIU starter Alan Clark struck out Nick Parker but advanced home on a passed ball. With the bases loaded once again, Alcides Segui hit a bases clearing double to left center for the 4-0 lead.

FAMU added to their lead in the third as Scott Holmes hit a RBI single scoring pinch runner John Curry.

The Golden Panthers scored their first run in third with Alex Ansoleaga's RBI single scoring Skip Adams. Hector Nunez hit his first home run of the year to left field and New advanced to third when the leftfielder dropped a fly ball. New scored when pitcher Mike Connell was called for a balk to close the lead to 5-3.

FIU scored the three runs in the eighth to take the lead. Gonzalez doubled to right center and scored on Freider's RBI single to close the lead to 5-4. Frieder scored two batters later on a New single to tie the game. The Golden Panthers took the lead when pinch runner Dennis Diaz scored from second on a passed ball after Dean Adams was walked.

Sophomore Gazitua pitched the ninth and closed the game to preserve the win and earn his first save of the year.

The two team will conclude the three-game series tomorrow afternoon at 1pm at University Park.