Sunday, April 7, 2002

IU splits a doubleheader with Middle Tennessee, 3-6, 1-0, to take three out of four in the series at University Park.

In the first game, the Golden Panthers (31-24, 3-1 Sun Belt) got things started when Sabrina Smith reached on a throwing error. Nicole Dubovik, Crystal Boyer, and Lindsay Tippings then got back to back to back hits that scored Smith and Dubovik.

In the third inning, Lesley Gillen got things started with a ground rule double to center field, then Kristen Perry singled to move Gillen over to 3rd base. Smith then hit a single up the middle to score Gillen from third base.

In the fourth inning, starter Vanessa Preston was taken out of the game after giving up 3 hits and 1 run. This was the first run given up by FIU in this series.

The Lady Raiders (18-19, 1-3 SBC) continued with the hitting attack on reliever Leah Barnes as Middle Tennessee sent 11 hitters to the plate getting 7 hits and 6 runs total in the inning. FIU would end up losing its first Sun Belt game of the season, 6-3.

Barnes (4-7) took the loss for FIU, as Stayc Preator (5-8) earned the win, pitching the final four innings.

Game two went extra innings, as neither team could score. The game went into the bottom of the eighth inning scoreless, as FIU passed up an opportunity to close the game out.

The Golden Panthers left two stranded on second and third with one out. Marleah Stapf, Dubovik, and Boyer each had hits that couldn't cross the plate.

Stapf was tagged out at home trying to score on a missed ball by the catcher for the second out. Tippings then fouled out to 1st to end the inning and the scoring threat.

In the bottom of the tenth inning, due to the International Tie Rule, Gillen was placed on second base to start the inning. Jennifer Owens sacrificed her over to third. With one out, Perry squeeze bunts Gillen in to win the game, 1-0.

Amanda Nealer (10-4) pitched the final five innings for the win striking out three. Jennifer Martinez (12-7) threw a complete game, but was the hard luck loser for Middle Tennessee.