Western Kentucky senior Kyle Hayes awaits a pitch during the Tops' 3-1 baseball loss to Florida International on Friday in Miami. (WKU ATHLETICS)

Western Kentucky dropped the Conference USA baseball series opener to Florida International 3-1 on Friday night at FIU Baseball Stadium in Miami.

WKU dropped to 34-8 overall and 11-5 in CUSA on the season and 41-45 all-time against FIU (24-18, 7-8 CUSA).

FIU got on the board first with a sacrifice fly in the second inning.

The Panthers doubled their advantage to 2-0 in the fourth with a solo home run.

Another run scored for FIU with an RBI single in the fifth.

Ryan Wideman cut WKU’s deficit to 3-1 with an RBI single in the seventh.

WKU’s Jack Bennett got the starting nod on the mound. The right-hander earned his first losing decision of the season in five innings of work. He struck out one batter while surrendering three runs (two earned) on eight hits.

Patrick Morris was the only arm to see action out of the bullpen. He fanned three batters in three shutout frames while allowing two hits. Morris has yet to allow a run to score in 17 innings.

WKU scored one run on four hits and eight walks with one RBI.

Wideman tallied the only RBI of the day in a 1-for-4 performance.

Kyle Hayes reached base three times in a 2-for-3 outing with a walk. Ethan Lizama went 1-for-4 with a walk. Reid Howard scored the only run of the night.

WKU and FIU continue the series Saturday at FIU Baseball Stadium. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. CT.