Blue Raiders drop series finale at Fla. International

MIAMI - Middle Tennessee continued to swing the hot bat against Florida International Sunday; however, the pitching was unable to corral the Golden Panthers' offensive attack as the Blue Raiders dropped the final game of the series, 15-9.

The Blue Raiders (24-18, 9-8 SBC) won the series by virtue of taking the first two games and they erupted for 35 runs in the three games behind a torrid offensive attack. The bats remained hot Sunday, particularly those of Todd Martin and Marcus Taylor. The tandem homered in all three contests, with Martin belting his team-leading 15th home run of the season Sunday, while Taylor's third in as many games gives him 10 for the season. Adam Warren also got into the longball act with his fifth of the campaign.

Five Blue Raiders enjoyed multi-hit games, marking the third straight game as least five Middle Tennessee players did that in a single game during the series. Jeff Beachum led the hit parade with a 3-for-6 performance, while Nathan Hines extended his career-best hitting streak to 14 with a 2-for-5 effort. Todd Martin (2-for-5, 2 RBI), Adam Warren (2-for-5, 2 RBI) and Josh Horn (2-for-5) also had two hits each.

Middle Tennessee fell behind 8-1 after the first two innings and have to play from behind the entire game. The Blue Raiders were able to pull to within 9-8 with two in the fourth, one in the fifth, two each in the sixth and seventh and another in the eighth; however, Florida International came back with a four spot in the bottom of the eighth to end the comeback hopes.

The Blue Raiders open a five-game homestand when they play host to Memphis Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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