FAU Baseball Looks For Second Straight Series Victory vs FIU


What: FIU (16-24, 7-13 C-USA) vs Florida Atlantic (21-19, 10-10 C-USA

When: Fri., Apr. 29th at 5:00 PM
           Sat., May 1st at 2:00 PM (DH)
           Sun., May 2nd  at 12:00 PM
           
Where: FAU Baseball Stadium
           

Video: CUSA.tv *Subscription Required

Live Stats: Here

FIU Team Site: Here

Series: FAU leads the series against rival FIU 70-50. This is the second weekend in a row that the two sides faced off against each other, with the Owls winning that series 3-1.

Projected Starting Pitchers:

FIU - RHP Tyler Myrick (6-2, 5.43)
FAU - LHP Hunter Cooley (5-3, 4.06)

FIU - LHP Garrett Rukes (2-5, 5.50)
FAU - LHP Matt Sparling (2-4, 4.11)

FIU - RHP Matt Fernandez (1-3, 5.29)
FAU - RHP Jackson Spiller (0-1, 5.52)


FIU - RHP Jermaine Vanheyningen (0-3, 9.53)
FAU - RHP Javi Rivera (4-0, 5.51)


Notes

Owls

For the first time since March 28th, FAU won a series last week against the FIU Panthers. Now, they're looking for yet another one against that same FIU team. The Owls established their dominance last weekend, outscoring FIU 40-26.

Second baseman Steven Loden had yet another breakout series last weekend, hitting 9-15 (.600) with six RBIs and seven runs scored. This is the second series in a row that Loden led the Owls in batting average and he has become FAU's everyday second baseman.

FAU hit the long ball very well last weekend, hitting eight home runs as a team. Outfielders Mitchell Hartigan and Bobby Morgensen alone had four of those home runs combined.

Jalen DeBose slotted in for Jackson Wenstrom as the Owls' starting centerfielder last week, and he saw a lot of success at the plate. He hit 3-10 with three RBIs and five walks, boasting an on-base percentage of .563.

On then mound, the Owls have found a reliable arm out of the bullpen in Sam Drumheller. In 5.1 innings pitched last series, Drumheller allowed just four hits and three runs, striking out six batters.

Panthers

FIU was outmatched by FAU, but one player who stepped up to the plate for the Panthers is second baseman Derek Cartaya, who hit the first two home runs of his career during last week's series. Prior to last weekend's series, Cartaya went over 600 collegiate at-bats without a home run. It should be interesting to see if he continues his confidence at the plate.

Panther pitchers struggled immensely last weekend, allowing 40 runs, 46 hits, and eight home runs to the Owls. They also only struck out 24 batters while also walking 24. At the plate, FIU seemed to have more promise, collecting 40 hits of their own, but they were held to just 26 runs despite of that.

One notable name missing from FIU's lineup is starting pitcher Steven Casey, who threw a no-hitter against Marshall two weeks ago. In his last start, Casey went just three innings, striking out nine batters while giving up three hits, one walk, and one run.

With conference hopes on the line FIU is trying to make one last ditch effort to pass FAU for the final spot in the C-USA tournament. The Owls are ahead of the Panthers by three game, so a sweep of FAU is crucial for FIU's hopes to stay alive. FAU, meanwhile is looking to head into next week's series against WKU in the drivers seat for a conference tournament berth.

Need another series win to solidify our place in the conference tournament. Big opportunity in Paradise this weekend!

There was a time when this weekend was for #1. Let's get in the tournament and see how it goes.

After a series win against them on the road, the Owls are ready to take down that school down South yet again!

#FAU ⚾️ is ready to take on that team down South yet again this weekend! 👌

Game 1️⃣ Lineup 🆚 #FIU ⬇️

SP Hunter Cooley

SS Wilfredo Alvarez
3B @BJMurray14
1B @NSchanuel
RF @bmorgensen11
C @CalebPendleton9
LF @mitchhartigan24
DH @nicholastoney1
2B Steven Loden
Cf @Bose4J pic.twitter.com/OmNmeihzyO

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

Cooley walks two in the top of the first, but the Owls get out of it without giving up a run.

We are UNDERWAY from Boca Raton! 🌴

Let’s show that school down south who the boss is... #BeatFIU #GoOwls 👌#FIU 0 - #FAU 0 | T1 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/GOczdVZIMN

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

Owls tally two hits and a walk in the first inning and capitalize with an RBI single from Pendleton!

THE OWLS ARE ON THE BOARD! 🚨@CalebPendleton9 sends @BJMurray14 home with an RBI single! 👏#FIU 0 - #FAU 1 | E1 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/3bzgN1P8AW

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

There's a slight drizzle here as we start the fourth inning. Let's see if that impacts today's game…

We got ourselves a close one today! 🔥

The Panthers drive in a run in the top of the third and the Owls respond with a run of their own! 🚨🚨🚨#FIU 1 - #FAU 2 | E3 | @LealLaw pic.twitter.com/xjdQL4sOQk

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

Rain delay ensue…first one of the year??

With heavy rainfall at the ballpark, the #FAU vs #FIU game is currently under a rain delay. 🌧

We’ll provide you with more updates on the status of today’s game as we get them. pic.twitter.com/qtLsrUT1mD

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

And the game has been postponed…see you tomorrow!

The game will resume with #FAU up 3-1 over #FIU 1 in the top of the 6th, with a 1-1 count, no one on base, and two outs. #GoOwls 👌

— FAU Owl's Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) April 30, 2021

Too bad. Had a nice game going. We lose a starter with a postponement.