Saturday, March 23, 2002

FIU ties school record with 33 runs in 33-11 rout versus New Mexico State.

fter dropping the conference opener Friday night versus New Mexico State, FIU (22-5, 1-1) scored 33 runs in a 33-11 rout versus the Aggies (19-8, 1-1). The 33 runs tied for most in a game, a record since 1981 when FIU scored 33 against Florida Memorial. The Golden Panthers set the school record with 34 hits, also previously set in 1981 versus Florida Memorial. Every FIU hitter recorded at least a hit. FIU scored a season high 11 runs in the second inning.

Bernie Gonzalez and Skip Adams led the offensive surge for FIU. Gonzalez went 5-6 with seven RBI, a home run and two doubles as Adams also collected seven RBI in a 5-8 performance. Adams also belted two home runs in the game. The seven RBI by Adams and Gonzalez are team highs on the season.

Tommy Duenas led off the sixth with his fifth home run of the year and Dennis Diaz collected his first collegiate home run. Duenas finished 3-6 and Adam Summerell went 4-7. Freshman Alex Suarez went 2-5 in the game to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, the longest on the team this season.

In terms of the pitching, FIU starter Michael Baluja recorded his fourth win of the year pitching six innings allowing three earned runs on five hits as Luis Gazitua pitched the final three innings in relief to collect the save.

FIU and New Mexico State will conclude the three-game series tomorrow afternoon at 3pm (ET) before the Golden Panthers travel to Homestead on Tuesday to play Ohio State and host Lafayette on Wednesday at University Park.