Gipson pitches seven shoutout innings

Florida Atlantic worked a season-high 13 walks and slugged 12 hits in a 9-3 victory over New Orleans on Saturday. The victory clinches the series for FAU as the Owls have won five of their first six Sun Belt series.

The Owls (18-13, 9-5) took the early lead in the second inning when Raymond Church ripped a double that scored Nick Delguidice and gave FAU a 1-0 lead.

With FAU leading 2-0, the Owls struck for two more runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead to 6-0.

The middle of FAU’s lineup was very productive with five hits and five RBI. Dan Scheffler continued his outstanding season with two hits, two walks and two more RBI.  The first baseman leads FAU with a .400 batting average and 35 RBI.

Church reached base safely all six times he stepped to the plate, while going 2-for-2 with a season-high four walks, two RBI, and two runs scored. He has now walked 27 times on the season.

Mike Gipson (6-1) got back on track and earned his sixth victory of the season. The right-hander pitched seven shutout innings and gave up five hits with four walks and five strikeouts.

The Privateers (9-20, 1-13) finally got on the board in the eighth inning when Nick Schwaner took Barry Rooks deep to make the score 6-1.

However, the Owls responded and scored three runs in the ninth to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Rooks allowed two more runs in the bottom of the ninth but was able to secure the final out to clinch the win.

The Owls will look for the sweep tomorrow in the final game of the series. Kevin Alexander (3-3, 5.80) will start for FAU while Kevin Berry (2-0, 3.86) will get the nod for New Orleans. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Box Score

Game Discussion