FIU’s Wittels gets help in his pursuit of Ventura’s hit-streak record _ from Ventura

Wittels, Ventura meet by phone to talk streaks

MIAMI — Florida International’s Garrett Wittels is getting some help in pursuit of Robin Ventura’s Division I hitting streak record. That is, from Ventura himself.

Ventura and Wittels met by phone this week, talking about how to handle the pressure that comes with history-making streaks. Ventura holds the Division I mark with a 58-game streak for Oklahoma State in 1987, and Wittels is four games shy of matching that mark for FIU this season.

Wittels said it was “a great conversation with Mr. Ventura.” In recent weeks, Ventura has said he’s rooting for Wittels to keep the streak going.

FIU meets Texas A&M in the opening round of the NCAA tournament Friday in Coral Gables, Fla.