SERIES THREAD: FAU vs Marshall - Mar 30th - Apr 1st, 2018
What: FAU (17-8, 3-3) at Marshall (11-9, 1-4)
When: Fri, Mar 30th at 6:00 PM
Sat, Mar 31st at 4:00 PM
Sun, Apr 1st at 1:00 PM
Where: Appalachian Power Park
Video: Here
Stats: Here
Series
FAU leads 8-4 and has won each of the last two series 2-1.
Projected Starting Pitchers
Fri: FAU - LHP Jake Miednik (4-1, 2.58)
MAR - LHP Joshua Shapiro (1-1, 5.19)
Sat: FAU - RHP Vince Coletti (1-2, 3.60)
MAR - RHP Brad O’Connor (2-3, 4.31 )
Sun: FAU - TBA
MAR - TBA
Game Notes
Owls
Despite going 2-2 over the last week (11-9 Miami, 1-2 #16 Southern Miss), Florida Atlantic is still receiving votes in both the Coaches Pool and the NCBWA poll this week.
However, Tuesday the team suffered a setback when dropping a would be win 7-6 to Bethune Cookman in walk-off fashion. Ahead 6-3 to start the frame, the normally reliable Zach Schneider surrendered four (2ER) in the Wildcats at bat. On a positive note, Mike Ruff struck out six in three innings in the first start of his career, allowing only one run on two hits.
“Congrats to Bethune, they played to the last out,” said Head Coach John McCormack. “We have got to be better in all facets of the game.”
The Owls now have four batters above the .300 threshold in Tyler Frank (.333), Pedro Pages (.327), Joe Montes (.324), and David Miranda (.319).
Normal Saturday starter Kyle Marman continues to be sidelined and is undergoing more evaluation on an issue in his forearm region. FAU will shakeup the rotation again with Vince Coletti moving to Saturday while Sunday's starter is still to be announced.
Herd
Marshall did not have a midweek game for the period and is looking to get back on track after last weekend's sweeping loss to UTSA in which they were outscored 27-7 (3-4, 2-11, 2-12).
After losing starting pitcher Wade Martin (0-1 3.55 ERA) to injury against UAB, it seems Marshall has lost another starting pitcher, at least for the time being, in Will Ray (2-1 1.57 ERA). Joshua Shapiro claimed the Friday starting spot against UTSA with a strong performance, but like FAU Sunday’s starter is still up in the air.
The Herd has a team batting average of .279 and is posting an average of 6.3 runs per game off of 9.7 hits; all of which top the Owls's marks of .264, 5.7, and 8.9 respectively. They tend to play more of a small ball approach with 30 stolen bases on the season.
First baseman Shane Hanon is currently third in all of C-USA at the plate for the Herd with a .382 mark, and is 2nd in on base percentage while reaching 49.4% of the time.
Jack D Whidden III said
Time to put our big-boy pants on and dominate. If we want to say we deserve to be ranked, and in contention to win the conference, this is when we need to start acting like it.Posted On: Mar 30th 2018, 3:28 PM #377878
Unfortunately being ranked any time soon is slim to none unless we go on some 10 to 15 game streak. The ranking media understandably has no respect for us and our record against teams with an actual winning record. We need someone to step up and be that miracle worker 3rd weekend starter now that Marman is gone for us to have any chance to climb back in rankings or make tourney. If not then we are just another slightly above average team. Sucks because the potential is there.
But I agree, time to start proving we belong.
Jack D Whidden III said
Time to put our big-boy pants on and dominate. If we want to say we deserve to be ranked, and in contention to win the conference, this is when we need to start acting like it.Posted On: Mar 30th 2018, 3:28 PM #377878
EXACTLY Jack! LEARN from that blown WIN and like Coach said - improve in all facets of the game! Go get 'em Owls!!!
The Owls will play two, with the second game starting :30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
LET'S TAKE TWO! #FAU sweeps DH vs Herd 3-2 & 8-6!
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 1, 2018
G1
Montes 3-4 2RBI (GW)
Frank RBI
Miednik 6IP 5H 1ER 10K
WP Peden 3IP 0H 0R 2K
G2
Summerall 2HR 2RS
Frank 2RBI HR
Nizza (2RBI) & Wilson HR ea
SP Coletti 5IP 3H 4R 6K
WP Harris 3IP 3H 1R 4K
S Schneider
G3 Sun @ 1P #GoOwls 👌 pic.twitter.com/DjCh0qJBSa
The Owls SWEEP Saturday's twin bill from Marshall with five homers on the day in well timed rebound effort which snaps a three game skid and starts a win streak.
“This was a really good day for us,” said Head Coach John McCormack. “I am proud of the way the guys played for 18 innings. Doubleheaders are not easy, and the guys were up to the challenge.”
UPDATED SCHEDULE: 2018 FAU Baseball Schedule - FAU Owl's Nest
TRIFECTA! #FAU mercy rules #Marshall 17-3 in G3 for a SERIES SWEEP! Cody Wilson 6RBI (HR & GRAND SLAM) 💥 Rivera 3-4 2RBI. Pages 2RBI. Today's 17 runs is a Season High. WP Ruff 4IP 3H 1R 6K. Next at #Miami Wed @ 6P #GoOwls! 👌 pic.twitter.com/zxOKJxTeM4
— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 1, 2018
FAU explodes for a season high in runs to sweep the series from Marshall. Florida Atlantic (20-8, 6-3) scored in every inning aside from the second.
“After a long day yesterday, our guys came back with energy and fire and finished off the weekend the right way,” said Head Coach John McCormack. “Mike Ruff set the tone for us on the mound, and Joe Montes started us off offensively. The rest of the guys followed in line after that. Cody Wilson put an exclamation point on the weekend with his two home runs, including a a grand slam, and six RBI.”
Miami is due up next for the Owls, who will look to sweep the Canes as well for the regular season Wednesday at 6:00 PM in Coral Gables.
Recent Forum Posts
Hoping that's the real equalizer
Game 2 is tomorrow night…
Nizhan Feagin was very pleased with his visit to FAU earlier t…
CJ gives up two hits over six innings and gets the loss. Owls…
Just couldn't find the equalizer tonight 😭