News Summary
The FIU baseball team suffered a narrow defeat against Western Kentucky, ending their championship hopes with a score of 7-6. Despite a strong start with a 5-0 lead, the Panthers were unable to maintain their momentum. Key player performances included home runs from Austin Dearing and Alex Ulloa, but Western Kentucky clinched the victory with a walk-off home run. FIU now prepares for an elimination game against Kennesaw State as they look to continue their postseason journey.
Miami, FL – The FIU baseball team faced a heart-wrenching defeat against Western Kentucky, losing 7-6 in the second round of the Conference USA Championship on May 22, 2025. This loss eliminated FIU’s chances of advancing in the tournament, leaving them with a season record of 31-26. The Panthers will now compete in an elimination game against Kennesaw State at 2 p.m. on May 23, 2025.
The contest against Western Kentucky started promisingly for the Panthers, who quickly built a commanding 5-0 lead within the first two innings. Austin Dearing opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the first inning, marking an explosive start for FIU. In the second inning, catcher Brendan Roney added a three-run homer, contributing to the early lead.
However, Western Kentucky responded aggressively, narrowing the gap to 5-4 by the end of the third inning after scoring two runs in both the second and third frames. The momentum continued to shift in the latter stages of the game when Western Kentucky’s offense came alive. In the seventh inning, they took the lead with a two-run triple, adding two more runs to leave FIU trailing 7-5.
Despite the mounting pressure, FIU managed to tie the game in the ninth inning. Alex Ulloa hit a solo home run to level the score, marking his seventh home run of the season. Unfortunately for FIU, Western Kentucky sealed the victory with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
On the pitching front, FIU’s starter Logan Runde allowed two earned runs on seven hits over 2.1 innings. Tracen Cameron provided a brief respite with 1.2 scoreless innings, inducing two double plays, while Kevin Martin pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out one. The game concluded with Jarek Woodward allowing the decisive walk-off homer.
FIU’s offense was consistent throughout the game, tallying nine hits and ensuring that every player reached base at least once. Cole Cleveland led the charge with two hits, and Brylan West extended his hitting streak to ten games. Javier Crespo also showcased his skills by stretching his on-base streak to twenty games.
Looking ahead, the Panthers have their backs against the wall as they prepare for an elimination game against Kennesaw State, which can be streamed on ESPN+. This game is crucial for FIU, as they aim to continue their postseason journey after a difficult defeat in the Conference USA Championship first round.
The loss against Western Kentucky highlights the challenges that FIU has faced throughout the season, where they have worked to overcome adversity and strive for success. As they gear up to face Kennesaw State, the team will rely on their resilience and determination to keep their hopes alive in the championship series.
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Additional Resources
- FIU Sports: No. 6 Baseball Drops Heartbreaker Against No. 2 Western Kentucky
- Google Search: FIU baseball
- WKU Sports: Women’s Golf Signs Georgia Transfer Grace Frei
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- WKU Sports: Higgins Named to C-USA All-Academic Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- WKU Sports: Tops Drop Series Opener Against Jax State
- Google News: FIU Kennesaw State
- WKU Sports: Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Announces New Organizational Structure
- Google Scholar: College Baseball Championships
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