Monday, March 18, 2002

Skip Adams' walk-off home run wins it for FIU

kip Adams hit a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth as No. 24 FIU (21-4) defeated No. 21 Rutgers (8-5) 8-6 Monday night at University Park. It was the 11th consecutive win for the Golden Panthers. It was the second walk-off home run for FIU in four games. It was the first home run of the year for Adams as Derek Taylor earned his third win of the year in relief.

In the fifth the Golden Panthers got on the board first with four runs. Hector Nunez singled and scored on Alex Suarez' double to center and Tommy Duenas added another RBI double knocking in Suarez. Adam Summerell hit the third double in the inning for FIU bringing in Duenas and Dennis Diaz.

Rutgers closed the lead scoring three runs in the fifth. Jeff Francis scored on a Steve Normane single and on a throwing error by Suarez. Normane and Alberto Vasquez scored on FIU's shortstop Dennis Diaz error.

Nunez continued his hot hitting with his fourth home run of the year, a solo shot to left field, his second consecutive day with a home run.

In the sixth the Scarlet Knights scored two runs to tie the game at 5-5. Mike Popowski singled and Jeff Frazier followed with a double. FIU starter Michael Baluja was replaced by Taylor. Baluja finished pitching five innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out 10. Normane hit a two-run single scoring Popowski and Frazier.

Rutgers took their first lead in the seventh as Popowski hit a RBI single scoring Ryan Lillilis. The run was the first scored against Taylor in 19 innings this season.

FIU tied the game in seventh as Summerell singled and advanced to second on Alex Ansoleaga's sacrifice bunt. Summerell scored from third as pinch hitter Daniel Bustamante struck out but Rutgers catcher dropped the third strike and then overthrew first base.

In the ninth Adams hit a walk-off home run also scoring Ansoleaga, his first home run of the year to give FIU the 8-6 victory.

FIU will take to the road to Las Cruces this weekend for their first conference series of the year facing New Mexico State Friday through Sunday.