Jes Alfonso's grand slam home run highlighted a seven-run eighth inning as Florida International exploded by Middle Tennessee 11-5 in an elimination game in the Sun Belt Conference softball tournament at Lamson Park in Lafayette.

Beth Piller singled to open the FIU eighth.  Winning Pitcher Ash McClain then singled through the right side to send Piller to third and both runners scored when third baseman Kristi Marquez threw the ball into right field trying to get McClain at second base.  Erik Arcuri singled home a run later in the inning before Alfonso unloaded on a 2-2 pitch to give FIU the comfortable margin.

FIU had a 4-0 lead going into the fifth, but Middle Tennesse catcher Natalie Ysias hit a grand slam to tie the score and send it into extra innings.

FIU (32-26)  will play the loser of the game between #2 Florida Atlantic and #3 South Alabama in an elimination game tomorrow morning at 10am.

More From 103.3 The GOAT