No. 21 Southern Miss takes series opener from FIU, 15-4

FIU Athletics




HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- No. 21 Southern Miss scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning to take control and defeat FIU, 15-4, Friday night at Pete Taylor Park in the opening game of a three-game series in Hattiesburg.The Panthers (17-13, 5-5 Conference USA) took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning when Zack Soria hit a two-run home run off Golden Eagles starter Kirk McCarty (5-2).However, in the bottom half of the inning USM (25-6, 9-1) had five consecutive batters reach base against FIU starter Chris Mourelle (2-2) and scored five runs to go ahead 6-2. The key hit in the inning was a three-run triple by Matt Wallner.Mourelle lasted four innings, allowed five hits and seven runs. McCarty pitched seven innings, allowed six hits and four runs.FIU cut the USM lead to 7-4 in the sixth after Soria doubled and Kenny Meimerstorf singled home the FIU catcher. Meimerstorf later scored in the inning on a wild pitch.But it was as close as the Panthers came. The Golden Eagles added two runs in the sixth and five runs in the eighth.Soria was 3 for 4 with two RBI and for the second time this season fell a hit shy of the cycle. Soria needed a triple in his final at-bat for the cycle but struck out. Back on March 9, Soria needed a home run for the cycle against Stetson but doubled in his final at-bat.The middle game of the three-game set between FIU and USM is Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. EDT.
 Print Friendly Version

Read More