FAU Baseball Returns to the Diamond for the First Time in Eleven Months


What: Florida Atlantic vs. Central Florida

When: Friday, February 19 at 6 PM, Orlando
           Saturday, February 20 at 6 PM, Boca Raton
           Sunday, February 21 at 1 PM, Boca Raton
           

Where: John Euliano Park
            FAU Baseball Stadium
           

Video: CUSA.tv *Subscription Required

Live Stats: Here

UCF Team Site: Here

Series: UCF owns a 44-35 all-time series lead, although the Owls own a 10-8 edge since Coach McCormack took over the reigns  in 2009.

Projected Starting Pitchers:

FAU - RHP Jacob Josey
UCF - LHP Colton Gordon

UCF - LHP Hunter Patteson
FAU - RHP Javier Rivera

UCF - TBA
FAU - LHP Matt Sparling


Notes

Owls

FAU Baseball finally returns to action after an eleven month hiatus due to COVID-19 canceling the 2020 campaign. The Owls open the 2021 season with a road game in Orlando against UCF before returning to Boca Raton to complete the remaining two games of the three-game series.

A once promising 2020 season was cut short due to the beginning stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. FAU finished the season with a 10-6 record, including a convincing 11-2 win over #6 Miami. By the season's shorted end, the team had the seventh toughest schedule in the nation thanks to a five straight games against top-10 opponents.

John McCormack's ballclub was tabbed to finish in atop the C-USA East division standings in the conference's preseason poll, voted on my the league's head coaches. Meanwhile, D1Baseball predicts the Owls to make the regional stage of the postseason as the third seed in Raleigh, with NC State playing host.

After this weekend's set, the Owls will head across Alligator Alley to face Florida Gulf Coast in Fort Myers. FAU returns to Boca Raton to face Seton Hall for a three-game series.


Knights

The UCF Knights enter the 2021 season as the country's No. 24 team according to Baseball America. The Orlando outfit are expected to compete with East Carolina and Houston for the top spot in the American Athletic Conference, although ECU were named favorites to win the conference according to the AAC preseason poll.

The Knights return eight of their nine staters from the shortened 2020 season. Cut short by COVID-19, the Knights 2020 stock was skyrocketing after a road sweep of No. 8 Auburn Tigers. The season was cancelled as the Knights held a 15-3 record.

Start of the season and the first two pitchers we will face are both quality 6'4" left handers.  Hitters must be very disciplined.  Best of luck to coach Mac and this 2021 squad. Go owls !

Rainy day in Orlando

As Local mentioned, it's been raining on-and-off throughout Central Florida all day. It's a stubborn little cold front that will make the temps up here in Tampa wonderful, sadly no luck for you all in Paradise.  

🌧️ RAIN RAIN GO AWAY! 🌧️

A stubborn cold front continues it's slow move though Central Florida, aka not Paradise, delaying @FAUBaseball's Season Opener. #FAU vs. #UCF is currently scheduled to start at 6:40, but that's subject to change. pic.twitter.com/tfN9QmqTSp

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 19, 2021

GAME ON!

The tarp is off in Orlando and we are GOOD 👏 TO 👏 GO 👏

First pitch of the 2021 season is just moments away! #FAU #GoOwls 👌

📸: @UCF_Baseball pic.twitter.com/76BtSxS5EX

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 19, 2021

SS Wilfredo Alvarez has truly blossomed since his addition to the roster in 2019.

NOW THAT'S how you start the 2021 season! 😍😍

SS Wilfredo Alvarez works his way around the diamond until he finds his way home on a UCF error. SP @jjosey22 follows up with a quick 1-2-3 inning. GOTTA LOVE IT!#FAU 1 - #UCF 0 | T2 pic.twitter.com/Q2Y2aO639g

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 20, 2021

BJ Murray has continued his strong hitting from 2020 season.

WOW! @BJMurray14 was THAT close from the first homer of the season.. and to dead center, no less! He earns an RBI triple instead before finding his way home himself via a @NSchanuel RBI single.#FAU 4 - #UCF 0 | B3 pic.twitter.com/jlkZ1UKti6

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) February 20, 2021

GREAT start, now to hang on!

 

Freshman first baseman Nolan Schanuel with two big hits in his first collegiate game! Look for him to be a key contributor for the Owls this season.

Way too early . I like what I see. But this is baseball. So far....fau is looking strong.