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By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - Alex Mendez's two-run homer forced extra innings but the
Bulls couldn't stop FIU from producing consecutive walk-off wins
Wednesday afternoon.
Hillsborough High School graduate Roche Woodard's RBI single in the 10th
inning sent the Panthers past USF, 4-3, at FIU Baseball Stadium in Miami.
Mendez went 2-for-3 with a walk and his biggest hit of the
day kept USF in business in the eighth inning. Kyle Teaf hit a one-out single
and advanced to second on a wild pitch before Mendez hit his first homer of the
season to give the Bulls new life.
Lawrence Pardo (2-1) kept the Panthers (10-8) off the
scoreboard in the ninth but ran into trouble an inning later. Nathan Burns hit
a one-out single and advanced to second on a groundout before Oscar Aguirre was
intentionally walked. Woodard sealed the game with a single to left-center
field.
Luke Maglich went 3-for-4 and his leadoff triple got things
going for USF in the seventh. Austin Lueck got the Bulls on the scoreboard one
batter later when he sent Maglich home with a groundout to second.
The loss spoiled another quality start from freshman Jimmy
Herget. The right-hander got a no decision after giving up two earned runs on
seven hits in five innings. Herget gave up
an earned run in seven innings of a no decision in last Friday's 3-2 win over
Valparaiso.
FIU starter Dillon Maya gave up two hits in six shutout innings and
Jason Morozowski got his first win of the season after pitching the final two
scoreless frames.
The Bulls (7-10) are back
at USF baseball stadium for a three-game weekend series against FAMU that
starts 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday's game is set for a 6 p.m. start and Sunday's
series final begins at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets HERE.
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