Saturday, March 15, 2002

FIU wins ninth straight with 7-1 win over Rider

IU (19-4) won their ninth consecutive game with a 7-1 win over Rider (2-4) Saturday night at University Park. Golden Panther starter Luis Gazitua improved to 3-0 on the season as he collected a career high 10 strikeouts while only allowing one run on four hits. The win also moved head coach Danny Price within one game of the 900-career win mark. Hector Nunez led the offensive attack for FIU with a 2-3 performance with two runs, two RBI, and a home run. Alex Ansoleaga went 3-4.

In the first the Golden Panthers got on the board as Dean Adams took home as Nunez stole second.

In the third the Broncs tied the game on a Casey Long RBI single bringing in Erinn Pesaresi.

Nunez put FIU ahead 2-1 with his third home run of the year, a solo shot to right field in the bottom of the third.

The Golden Panther opened the game in the fifth scoring five runs. Ansoleaga hit a RBI single scoring Dennis Diaz and Nunez knocked in Ansoleaga with single. Nunez came home on Bernie Gonzalez' RBI single. Brad Elred scored the fourth run of the game as Gonazlez was initially picked off but Elred scored from second base and Gonzalez was safe at second. Alex Suarez added a RBI double bringing in Gonzalez.

Price will look to become the 35th all-time coach to reach the 900-career win mark as FIU returns to action tomorrow against Kansas State 1pm at University Park. The Golden Panthers defeated the Wildcats 9-3 last month February 24 in Homestead.