Cajuns Face FIU In Key Series

Louisiana’s Ragin’Cajuns return home this weekend to face Florida International in a key Sun Belt Series. While Florida International (9-17, 3-3 SBC) has struggled early this season, the Panthers possess potent bats in the lineup.

The much anticipated return of former LSU assistant Turtle Thomas to Louisiana has finally arrived. But Cajun fans better forget about Thomas and focus on the Panthers potent bats in the lineup. FIU record is deceiving; while the panthers struggled on the mound, the bats in the lineup are very good.

The Panthers are led by Louisville transfer Jorge Castillo with a .419 Avg., 5 HR and 30 RBI. Senior CF Corey Lozano sets the table in the leadoff position hitting .322 Avg., 2 HR, 15 RBI and 4-5 SB. First baseman Tyler Townsend adds power to the lineup with a.322 Avg., 5 HR and 15 RBI. The Panthers also have potent bats in Left fielder Raimy Fuentes hitting .358 Avg., 1HR , 25 RBI and freshman sensation Javier Sujo with a .333 Avg., 1HR and 18 RBI. Junior second baseman Ryan Mollica rounds out the hot bats in the FIU lineup hitting .338 Avg., 1 HR and 18 RBI on the year. The Panthers are hitting.300 as a team with 22 HR, 185 RBI and a .384 OBP.

On the mound the Panthers are less impressive, but have some depth. Senior Chris Allen (2-2, 5.28 ERA) will be the Friday starter for the FIU. Southpaw Corey Polizzano (3-2, 5.32 ERA) will get the nod on Saturday this weekend. The Panthers will either go with right-handers Steven Stewart (0-2, 7.32 ERA) or Jorge Ramos (1-3, 9.64 ERA) on Sunday. In the bullpen the Panthers use several closers depending on the situation; Daniel Desimone (0-2, 6.88 ERS, 2 SV) and Carlos Martinez (1-0, 5.87 ERA, 1 SV) have closed games. Eric Horstmann (1-0, 3.74 ERA) has pitched in relief and started two games for FIU this year as well. As a team, FIU has a 7.40 ERA, allowed 186 earned runs and allowing opponents to hit for a .337 avg.

The Cajuns will have the opportunity to score runs this weekend, but must hold down the Panthers hitting attack this weekend to have a chance to win the FIU series.

Probable Starters(unofficial)

C 29 Steven Stropp 6-2 225 Jr. R/R
1B 37 Tyler Townsend 6-3 215 So. L/R
2B 7 Ryan Mollica 6-0 185 Jr. L/R
3B 26 Jorge Castillo 6-2 225 Sr. L/R
ss 13 Junior Arrojo 5-9 185 So. R/R
DH 19 John Petika 6-2 210 Sr. R/L
LF 38 Raimy Fuentes 5-11 195 Sr. L/R
CF 1 Corey Lozano 5-10 180 Sr. R/R
RF 25 Javier Sujo 6-1 205 Fr. R/R