Gipson tosses complete game shutout

Florida Atlantic’s Mike Gipson enjoyed a first on Saturday afternoon – a complete game shutout – as the Owls roared past UALR 11-0 in Boca Raton.

Gipson (1.80 ERA), who struck out a season high 10 batters, improves to 4-0 on the season and has Coach McCormack thinking about Friday service for the right hander.

“That will be discussed and hashed over starting Sunday night”, said John McCormack. “He’s killing it in the Saturday hole, and I don’t know if we want to mess with it.”

The Owls have yet to win a Friday game at home, and Gipson say’s that he is up for the challenge.

“Whatever day I’m throwing, whether it’s midweek or whatever, I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing and just go out there and compete.”

After scoring 16 runs last night against the Owls, The Trojans (13-7, 1-4) were blanked for just the second time this season.

FAU (10-7, 3-2) scored their first run in the 2nd inning after an Anthony Mesa steal attempt drew a throw to second, and allowed catcher Mike Albaladejo to cross the plate from third.

The Owls picked up another six runs in the fourth inning on five hits including a two out bases loaded single by Nick Delguidice.

FAU added four more insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh as Andy Mee and Colby Gratton each smacked home runs.

“After last night, we had intensity today, which we needed”, said John McCormack. “Certainly played well and happy we won.”

The Trojans, who led the Sun Belt defensively entering the weekend series, committed a season high three errors on the afternoon.

The teams will meet for game three tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. Kevin Alexander (1-2, 7.85) will get the start for the Owls, while the Trojan starter is yet to be announced.