Panthers enjoy Major League experience against Marlins

The FIU baseball team played sound defense, turning five double plays, against the Miami Marlins and went toe-to-toe with the Major League Club until the end, ultimately falling, 5-1, in an exhibition game at the new Marlins Ballpark.

It was the first baseball game in FIU history against a Major League Baseball team and the second game ever played by the Marlins in the new stadium.

”For a lot of us, it’s the time of our lives,” said senior third baseman Mike Martinez, who doubled to left-center in the ninth. “We just wanted to have a great time. I think we did that. We competed, but at the same time we’re all enjoying ourselves. Playing in front of, what was it, 18,000 people? It doesn’t get better than that”

Tyler James Shantz drove in FIU’s only run of the game, going 1-for-4 with the RBI single. Freshman Roche Woodard and senior Mike Martinez each had doubles. Senior Pablo Bermudez, junior Adam Kirsch and freshman Oscar Aguirre each singled in the game. Freshman Julius Gaines finished with a run scored and a stolen base. The Panthers made some noise in the ninth after Martinez doubled to start the inning but couldn’t rally.

Catcher Aramis Garcia summed up the Panthers’ experience in four words as he walked off the field, “We had a blast.”

The FIU baseball team will return to action on Friday, March 9, as it starts a three-game series against the Fordham Rams. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. at the FIU Baseball Stadium.

Fans can follow the action all season long on Twitter (@FIUBaseball) and Facebook (facebook.com/FIUBaseball) as well as logging on to FIUSports.com’s blog, The Prowl,  for live play-by-play game blogs. Live audio and video is available for all home games through Panther Pass.

Tickets are on sale for all FIU home games at the University Credit Union Box Office at the R. Kirk Landon Field House or by calling 305-FIU-Game or logging on to FIUSports.com.

— Story courtesy of FIUSports.com