When the 50/50 calls go against us, it surely doesn't help that it takes the FIFTH inning to record our first hit.

Gorgeous hit in the gap from @mitchhartigan24 for the Owls' first hit of the night. Need to get more base runners on in order to get the rally started! #FAU 0 - #USF 4 | M6 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/910jUVjIrF

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

Into the eighth inning, and we FINALLY get USF's SP out of the game.

3⃣⬆️ - 3⃣⬇️ for @OstranderBraden! And that curveball for the punch out is just filthy! 🔥🔥#FAU 0 - #USF 4 | T8 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/9Uus1EQsGF

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 21, 2021

Nich caught 'em running! What a beautiful throw!

WHAT. A. THROW. from @nicholastoney1 to throw out the runner on an off-speed pitch! It's now or never for the Owls as the beef of the batting order comes to the plate. Let's go Owls! 👌#FAU 4 - #USF 0 | T9 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/cXEWN6l3ZF

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 21, 2021

FINAL. Owls fall to USF, 4-0.

FINAL | #USF 4 - #FAU 0

Owls struggle at the plate, allowing the Bulls to level the series at a game a piece. @Jariver68 will get the nod for tomorrow's rubber match.@mattsparling81: (LP) 7K, 5H, 3ER@mitchhartigan24 & @nicholastoney1: 1H each

NEXT: Game 3 vs. USF, Sun. 1PM

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 21, 2021

FAU's lackluster night at the plate dooms the Owls to a 4-0 defeat to USF. Having lost five out of their last seven, the Owls fall to 10-7 on the year.

The Rundown

• Nicholas Toney and Mitchell Hartigan were the only Owls to reach base via a hit. This is the first time FAU has mustered as little as a pair of hits since the 8-0 loss to FGCU on March 5.

• Starting pitcher Matt Sparling put in another great outing on the mound, although he is saddled with his first loss. His six innings of work saw seven strikeouts and just five hits. Three out of the four runs given up by the lefty were earned.

• The Owls had no answer for USF's Dylan Burns. The Bulls right-handed starter threw for seven innings, collecting six punch outs along the way.

• Several questionable calls went against FAU's way, including a tagged runner and force out at second. Both runners were called safe in USF's favor and would later come home for runs.

NEXT: Owls will have a chance to take the series in tomorrow's finale. First pitch from Tampa comes at 1 PM.

UPDATED SCHEDULE: HERE

Cooley was  a stud on Friday and tonight FAU ooked absolutely terrible. I don't get it. Glad it's not my job.

Local Owl said

I don't get it….

Posted On: Mar 20th 2021, 9:05 PM #401285

You're selling yourself short, it's BASEBALL!

 

To ease the pain, Indiana State has now taken the first two games from UAB…

Yes, they are a very good team.

We got crushed by the canes.  The noles are man handling the canes. I'm glad we aren't visiting Tallahassee this year. And I know OSU  is looking way better than anticipated.

First pitch from the series-deciding Game Three and Wilfredo Alvarez smacks into the gap for a single! Already performing better at the plate than last night!

GAME ON in Tampa, and what a way to start! One pitch in, and the Owls already have half as many hits as last night thanks this Wilfredo Alvarez single in the left-center gap. #FAU 0 - #USF 0 | T1 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/4ZBfTJk1Og

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) March 21, 2021