FAU shutout for the first time this season

Florida Atlantic was shutout for the first time this season in a 2-0 loss to Rutgers on Wednesday night at FAU Baseball Stadium.  The shutout was the first shutout since a 9-0 loss to Western Kentucky on May 21, 2008.  The loss also marks the first time FAU has fallen to Rutgers since St. Patrick's Day 1998.

“It was a disappointing loss,” said head coach John McCormack.  “These are the types of games you have to win if you want to make an NCAA Regional.”

The Scarlet Knights (6-9) took the only lead of the game when Pat Biserta hit his seventh home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fifth inning, to put Rutgers on top 2-0.

R.J. Alvarez (0-1) got the start for the Owls and pitched four shutout innings before allowing the Biserta home run in the fifth.  The freshman gave up five hits, two runs and walked two batters with four strikeouts but was credited with his first loss of the season.

The best chance for FAU to score in the game was in the bottom of the eight inning, when the Owls loaded the bases with two outs for freshman Mark Nelson.  Nelson however swung at an 0-1 pitch and flew out to left field to end the Owls' threat.

Tyler Gebler worked a perfect ninth inning to slam the door and earn his third save of the season.

The Owls (9-6) will return to action this Friday when UALR visits Boca Raton for a three-game weekend series.  It will be home conference opener for FAU.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from FAU Stadium.