MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | The FMU Lions defeated Ave Maria 4-3 in the SUN conference opener at the Harry T. Moore Baseball Field. 

Florida Memorial got behind early and gave up two runs in the first inning before responding in the bottom of the second inning when Ivan Zambrano generated an RBI-single that scored Reinaldo Prieto for the Lions' first run of the ball game.

FMU tied the game in the bottom of the fourth when Ulises Rodriguez produced a sacrifice-RBI that scored Prieto for his second run of the contest.

The Gyrenes answered back in the seventh inning to take a 3-2 lead on a wild pitch. However; FMU tied the game in the bottom stanza when Luis Aguila generated a sacrifice-RBI that brought home Jalen Young.

In the bottom of the eight inning, the Lions took the lead for good when slugger Luis Ruiz produced an infield fly that allowed Rodriguez to score the game-winning run.

FMU starting pitcher Max Charnin started the first six innings for the Lions and allowed two runs, four hits, three walks and struck out four Gyrenes batters. Jamal Johnson came in relief in the seventh inning and allowed one run, three hits and struck out two Gyrenes.

FMU relief pitcher Kyle Morrison (3-0) entered the contest for Johnson in the eighth, allowing one walk and striking out one Gyrene batter as he earned his third victory of the year.

The Lions will continue the weekend series with a doubleheader against Ave Maria on Saturday, March 18. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Harry T. Moore Baseball Field.