Panthers Clinch Spot In CUSA Tournament, Sweep Sam Houston

The FIU Panthers have clinched a spot in the CUSA Tournament and did so in stylish fashion with a sweep over the Sam Houston Bearkats. They only needed to win one game in this series to do so, but they put the hammer on the Bearkats with 30 runs in three games.

Unlike past seasons, a spot in the tournament was not guaranteed this season. However, with a 30-25 overall record and a 13-13 record in Conference USA, they punched their ticket.

Game One was an immediate wash as FIU racked up five runs in the first inning. They didn’t give Sam Houston an inch, recording six runs in the final three innings to put them away by a score of 13-5. Every Panther in the lineup recorded at least one hit, with four players tallying multi-hit performances. Andrew Ildefonso led the way, recording his first three-hit game.

Getting Things Clicking Before The Tourney

On the mound, Easton Marks was limited in action, working one inning and giving up two runs. Jaydon Bishop came in and earned a win with 4.1 innings of relief, only giving up two runs as FIU won by a score of 7-4.

What a season for Kish! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5h5BhVjjkd

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) May 17, 2025

Game Two was a lot closer with back-and-forth action on both sides. Sam Houston had a 4-3 lead after the third inning, but FIU scored four unanswered runs to take game two. Kishon Frett recorded his 20th home run of the season in the fourth. While Jarek Woodward allowed four earned runs in 2.2 innings, Logan Runde dominated as the closer with four shutout innings.

The series finale was close at the start, with a 3-2 lead for the Panthers after the second inning. But once again, FIU dropped seven unanswered runs. Sam Houston tried to make it close in the bottom of the ninth with a rally, but it wasn’t enough.

Austin Dearing was one of the standout batters with two hits and four runs batted in. One of them was a two-run homer to right field as he capped off the series with six total hits. Adonys Velez recorded his first home run as a Panther in the seventh inning.

Juan Villareal got the nod today but only pitched in 1.2 innings, giving up two runs. Seven members of the bullpen provided their services today, with Bryce Turner recording the win.

The CUSA Tournament is set to begin on Wednesday, May 21st, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Seeding and opponents are still to be determined.