MIAMI (Feb. 14, 2021) – Venessa Gallegos capped her stellar weekend at the plate with a walk-off, three-run homer to give the FIU softball team a 5-3 win over visiting Winthrop and close out the Felsberg Invitational on a high note.
With the win, FIU improves to 3-0 on the year while Winthrop drops to 2-3. The 3-0 start is FIU’s first since opening the year 4-0 in 2014.
The Panthers were trailing 3-0 heading into the final frame, but a single up the middle by Jessica Rivera brought home two runs to narrow the gap to just 3-2. With two runners in scoring position and the Panthers down to their last out, Gallegos smashed a 1-2 pitch over the left field wall to give FIU the 5-3 walk-off win.
Gallegos finished the game going 2-4 at the plate and racking up three RBI. For the weekend, Gallegos hit .700 with 10 RBI, two doubles and a home run.
Kendahl Dunford earned the victory in the circle, pitching 4.1 innings in relief and striking out four. In three appearances on the weekend, Dunford earned a pair of wins and posted a 1.27 ERA with seven strikeouts.
UP NEXT
FIU hits the road for Fort Myers, Florida, next weekend as the Panthers face UConn, Northern Illinois and host-FGCU on Feb. 19-21.
FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to physical distancing requirements, the total capacity at FIU Athletics events will be reduced this season. FIU’s softball games will be limited to 125 fans this spring due to the COVID-19 repopulation plan. For more information on tickets, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit here.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUSoftball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
