The Florida International Golden Panthers stayed in their Sun Belt Tournament game against the Troy Trojans on Thursday up until the top of the eighth inning. Up until then FIU was tied with Troy 1-1, when the game ended, Troy had scored five straight runs in two innings and FIU was on the wrong end of a 6-1 loss.
After allowing a solo home run in the top of the second inning, FIU starting pitcher Michael Ellis pitched a strong seven innings, allowing just that one run on four hits while striking out seven. Right fielder Nathan Burns hit an RBI single in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game at one.
The top of the eighth was where it all fell apart for the Golden Panthers. Christian Malbrough came on to relieve Ellis and promptly allowed three straight hits, which resulted in two runs scored. He also allowed a solo home run to Troy designated hitter Jakob Nixon.
It was no better for FIU pitcher Eddy Pidermann, who walked in two runs in the top of the ninth inning with two outs to complete the scoring.
The Golden Panthers now wait until Friday morning to play Middle Tennessee at 11 a.m.
You can get a full tournament bracket here.
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