TROY, Alabama -- With Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" song playing on the stadium speakers while FIU takes infield.....It's do or die for your Panthers this morning here in Troy in FIU's second game of the Sun Belt Tournament.
A familiar opponent in the Florida Atlantic Hooters are on the diamond with FIU.
We have football weather this Thursday morning in Troy sort of appropriate with Troy's Veterans Stadium right next door to the baseball field. Walked by the football field yesterday and still could see T.Y. Hilton making that one-handed catch in last year's game here in Troy.
Back to baseball: Temperatures are in the mid-60's according to FIU weather girl Victoria Lynch seated to my right. And Victoria says there is a "gusty" 21 mph wind blowing out to the short 310-foot fence in right field. Could be a home run derby type of day.
There is a threat of rain later today, which could back up the tournament, but first things first, FIU needs to win today to worry about the rain later.
Let's see how the Panthers have adjusted one day after playing in this small racquetball/trampoline Riddle-Pace Field.
We'll have the LIVE BLOG going on inside the comments section....
Tom Ebert gets the start for FIU.
The lineup: Arrojo, SS; Mollica, 2b; Townsend, RF; Stropp, C; Jobe, 1b; Martinez, DH; Waddell, LF; Alfonso, 3b; Bermudez, CF.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 09:57 AM
FIU is the visiting team in this game and will bat first.
The Sun Belt alternates home and away teams in the first two rounds.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Mike Gipson starts for FAU.
Gipson shut down FIU in 4 innings of relief in Boca last week.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Let's try this again!! Hahaha GO FIU!!!!!
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Jr. grounds out to 3b to start the game
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Mollica Ks
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Tyler grounds to first to end the inning.
0-0 going to the bot of 1st
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Wilson leads off with an infield single for the hooters
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:08 AM
After a sac bunt....FAU gets an RBI single and lead 1-0.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Thanks for the updates Pete. The gametracker is a bit slow
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Not again... :/
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:10 AM
We need to beat the Hooters!
Posted by: FIUJM | May 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM
double into left field corner...fau runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out....still 1-0
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Just got in...GO FIU!!!
"all drumsticks please"
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:15 AM
If you guys want to hear the game broadcast, we're here alongside Pete broadcasting from Troy, Alabama! Go to www.wrgp.org and choose the format on the top right or tune in to 95.3 FM near University Park, 96.9 FM near Biscayne Bay, and 88.1 FM near Homestead/Kendall.
Posted by: Rick Martinez | May 21, 2009 at 10:16 AM
unintentional/intentional walk to fau cleanup ozga loads the bases with 1 out
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Yes, but you can't have too many drumsticks
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:16 AM
OMG not again!!! Bases loaded already!?
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:17 AM
oh joy....here we go again with the bases loaded in the first
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Thanks Rick
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:17 AM
what is this drumsticks post about??
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:18 AM
big K for big Tom
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Thanks for the info Rick! However can't pick any signal up down in Tamiami Airport in a windowless office. :(
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
hmmm...hooters PP
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Ebert strikes out batter for 2nd out....bases still loaded still 1-0
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Ebert strikes out another ....end of inning 1-0 fau
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:20 AM
YES!!!!!! Way to get out of it EBERT!!!! LET'S GET SOME HITS!!!!!!
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:20 AM
big sigh.....tom gets out of it with back to back K's
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:21 AM
just got the drumsticks reference....sorry a I'm litle slow in Bama....there is no Cuban coffee is this part of the world
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:22 AM
stropp reaches first on a hit by pitch to lead off the inning.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Cuban coffee I think everyone who came up from SoFla could really use right now...
Posted by: Rick Martinez | May 21, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Way to go Tom!! Let's get the bats going FIU!!!
Pete, there may be no Cuban coffee, but you gotta take advantage of the pulled pork if you can!
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:25 AM
PP...always ask for all drunksticks at hooters, part of the $1 upgrade includes a quick flash of dem hooters!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Jobe lines out CF for 1st out
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I am all for the pulled pork...
Posted by: JulesFIU07 | May 21, 2009 at 10:28 AM
had the pulled pork yesterday good stuff....didn't know that about hooters upgrade.
martinez hit by pitch....1st and 2nd for FIU with 1 out
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Pete,
Excuse my ignorance, but what has to happen for FIU to advance to the next round...win today and that's it?
Come on two on base with one out!!!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Waddell Ks now 2 outs.
Alfonso hit by pitch bases loaded for Bermudez
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Interesting! Sounds like he's having trouble hanging on to that ball!
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:31 AM
yes FIU is in win or go home mode.
Bermudez 2-run single...2-1 FIU
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Way to go Pablito!!
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Way to go Pablo!!!
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM
ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Jr. Ks to end the 2nd for FIU.
FIU leads 2-1 going to bot 2nd
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM
thankfully the finally take the lead.. lets figure it like this.. FAU ended our season in football we ended theirs in basketball... this is the tie breaker! come on FIU!!!!!
Posted by: CJ | May 21, 2009 at 10:34 AM
fau lead off batter flies out to right.
Ebert walks next batter
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:38 AM
cj...
not the same buddy, however this would be some nice revenge!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:39 AM
fau's mesa steals second base with 1 out.
wilson strikes out on wild pitch and ball goes to screen.
still 1 out and runners now on 1st and 3rd
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:40 AM
wilson steals 2nd, still 1 out.
albaladejo grounds out to ebert for 2nd out.
runners still at 2nd and 3rd
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:44 AM
fau ties game on wild pitch.
griffiths hits 2-run HR for a 4-2 fau lead
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Too many wild pitches....
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM
SH*t!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:46 AM
WOW incredible....
Tyler needs to take advantage of the short wall in right.
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Geeee wizzz..... let's just get out of this inning...
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:46 AM
What is up with our pitchers?!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:47 AM
ebert gets out of inning with a K.
going to 3rd....fau 4-2
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:48 AM
in the 3rd for FIU: Mollica, Tyler and Stropp
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Mollica HR 4-3
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Way to go Mollica!!! Come on Tyler! Put it over the wall in right!
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 10:50 AM
WAY TO STRIKE BACK!!! Come on Townsend, back-to-back!!!
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:50 AM
what a game!
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 10:51 AM
tyler hits ball off his foot but ump calls it fair and pitcher throws to 1st for the out.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Sounds like the umpires are really out of it up there.....
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Let's get the lead...i hope our team is mad, they are better than this. Rip FAU!!!
Posted by: FIUJM | May 21, 2009 at 10:52 AM
stropp walks.....1 out
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Jobe grounds into DP to end the inning.
4-3 fau
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:55 AM
we need to take advantage of two things....the field itself as far as putting the ball in play and that short porch in RF
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Ozga strikes out to lead off inning for fau.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 10:59 AM
What's up with the umpires? Do they forget what the count is?
Posted by: Yandro | May 21, 2009 at 11:01 AM
bubley reaches 1st on K/wild pitch.
nick gets infield single.
hooters on 1st and 2nd with 1 out
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:04 AM
By the way, we're using this tournament to test out some new equipment (using the Internet to get out broadcast to the studio instead of the phone line). Let us know how it sounds and if you have any comments or suggestions! rick.martinez@fiusm.com
Posted by: Rick Martinez | May 21, 2009 at 11:04 AM
bukovich walks to load bases.
Turtle is barking from the dugout at ump "you have to call low strikes consistently....get them right"
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Ump must have listened, because he calls out Mesa on 3 low strikes.
2 outs bases loaded
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Rick,
Listening to the internet broadcast on 128k stream and it sounds very good.
Posted by: TNGoldenPanther | May 21, 2009 at 11:09 AM
line out to junior to leave bases loaded...end of the 3rd.
fau leads 4-3
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Good....whssss....
Posted by: FIU Fanatic | May 21, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Nice that Tom got out of the inning without allowing a run. Let's get the lead.
Posted by: FIUJM | May 21, 2009 at 11:11 AM
What in the world... the Radiate FM broadcast just switched to music... am i the only one with this problem?
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Top 4th:
FIU weather girl Victoria Lynch says the Panthers are scoring 6 runs this inning.
Martinez leads off with a single to center.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Rick,
As I wrote my last post, your signal crapped out. I'm listening to some real crappy music right now! Get me back to the game!
Posted by: TNGoldenPanther | May 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Crappy music is an understatement...
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 11:14 AM
waddell flies out to LF. 1 out
Martinez still at 1st
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Raiko flies out to center. 2 outs
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Pablo grounds out to 1b to end the inning.
bot 4th now 4-3 fau
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:18 AM
OMG!! SPACE IS NOT WONDERFUL!! I WANT TO HEAR THE GAME!
Posted by: TNGoldenPanther | May 21, 2009 at 11:18 AM
wind and cold weather picking up here in Troy....must be in the high 50s now.
and i came prepared with Miami clothing : shorts and t-shirts
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:19 AM
HAHAHHAHA!! Besides the games, this radio station has to put better music... this is GARBAGE!!!
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2009 at 11:19 AM
waddell drops field ball in left field....bad luck continues for ebert.
mike reaches 2nd on the error
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Dude, Pete, its 70 degrees. Man up a bit.
Posted by: TNGoldenPanther | May 21, 2009 at 11:22 AM
griffiths doubles to lcf gap and fau now leads 5-3.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Wow....gotta get it going, guys!
Posted by: FIU Fanatic | May 21, 2009 at 11:23 AM
that was waddell dropping fly ball not "field" ball.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:23 AM
i got miami blood
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Son of a...! Come on man! Its do or die!
Posted by: TNGoldenPanther | May 21, 2009 at 11:25 AM
intresting note is that Ebert has 7 Ks in 4 IP DAMN...we need to settle down and play smart
Posted by: Roman | May 21, 2009 at 11:26 AM
eric berkowitz and corey polizzano warming up in the FIU bullpen.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Gametracker
http://fausports.cstv.com/?DB_OEM_ID=4100
Posted by: FAUFan | May 21, 2009 at 11:27 AM
ump just blows a foul ball call that could have given FIU an out....Ebert is not happy about it.
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:27 AM
hatcher with single to center.
fau runners on 1st and 3rd with 0 outs in the 4th.
5-3 fau
Posted by: PP | May 21, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Oh jesus, zero outs, runners all over the place.
Posted by: Quijote | May 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM