Scheffler goes 2-of-4 with two RBI to lead the offense

Mike Gipson was stellar, and the bats got busy, as Florida Atlantic (28-15, 16-7) blanked Arkansas State 8-0 on Saturday.

Gipson, who has now tossed two complete game shutouts on the year, held the Red Wolves (23-19, 12-8) to just two hits while striking out seven and issuing three walks.

He had some down time during the Owls big 5th and 6th innings, but that didn’t bother him.

“I’ve been going 120 plus (pitches), so it wasn’t a big deal”, said Gipson. “The ball was coming out of my hand real firm.”

"Gipson was very good and just kept throwing strikes and dominating the strike zone," said ASU coach Tommy Raffo. “

John McCormack, who called for more offense after last night’s narrow 3-2 margin of victory, got his wishes with a 12 hit performance.

In clinching the series with today’s win, Florida Atlantic gains more ground in the conference standings as Middle Tennessee dropped a double header today against Louisiana-Lafayette.

But it is not a focal point.

“We don’t talk about any of the standings. Let’s just concentrate on this”, McCormack said. “After the last FIU game, we’ll figure out where we are.”

FAU took an early 1-0 lead when Dan Scheffler’s two-out RBI single scored Raymond Church.

Later in the fifth, Scheffler brought Church in again with a double that begin a three run outburst which would chase Red Wolves starter Andres Caceres (1-3) from the mound.

Sean Bukovich then worked a bases loaded walk scoring David Cassidy to give the Owls a 5-0 advantage.

FAU notched three more in the bottom of the sixth behind an Andy Mee single and Nick DelGuidice double to cap off the scoring.

Gipson retired the final 14 batters he faced.

“He was fantastic as usual”, said McCormack. “He’s done a tremendous job this year.”

The Owls will go for the sweep tomorrow at noon. R.J. Alvarez (3-1, 4.33) will be on the mound for FAU while Jacob Lee (5-2, 3.67) will take to the hill for ASU.

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