By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Florida International put together a three-run ninth and rallied past the Bulls, 5-4, in 11 innings Tuesday night in Miami.

Josh Anderson's two-run homer in the ninth forced extra innings and Aramis Garcia hit a walk-off double in the opener of a two-game series at FIU Baseball Stadium.

USF's Anthony Diaz got the start in left field and went 3-for-5 with an RBI that gave the Bulls a 3-0 lead in the third inning. Alex Mendez went 2-for-5 and his third RBI put USF ahead, 4-0, in the sixth inning before the Bulls fell to 7-9.

Sophomore right-hander Mike Clarkson allowed three hits in five scoreless innings and struck out two in another quality start by a USF pitcher.

The Bulls look to leave Miami with a series split in Wednesday's 3 p.m. matinee.  Freshman Jimmy Herget (1-1) gets the start after giving up an earned run in seven innings of a no decision in Friday's 3-2 win over Valparaiso. The right-hander has a 1.69 ERA in four appearances.