Owls Start 2010 Conference Slate with Road Trip to Troy
FAU and Troy will open up conference play this weekend, as the Owls will look to improve on last season's 12-17 record.

Road trip, spring break; Panama City Beach comes to mind, but the Owls will find themselves traveling a few hours north to Troy Alabama, away from any Florida beaches.

Beating a team like Pittsburgh at home on Wednesday should make the bus ride to Troy more pleasurable.

Even with the big win on Wednesday head Coach John McCormack still felt the Owls could have been better.

“This was a trap game for us…Its all starts on the mound, we didn’t get a good start and offensively we did what we had to”, said McCormack.

FAU has only scored seven runs in three Friday games and would love to end those woes under the Friday night’s lights. While averaging 10 runs per game for all others, will look for solid a start tonight.  Especially after getting embarrassed by Troy last season, when the Trojans swept the Owls.

Inside the Trojan's Dugout

Troy are a patient bunch behind the plate having drawn 52 free passes to first base, and have proven that they can score lots of runs. But they have struggled in consistentcy.

The Trojans have scored runs in 33 innings, while averaging 3.06 runs in each one.

So, it will important for the Owls to counter with solid starts on the mound.


Inside the Owl's Dugout

Jr. Taylor Everist needs to continue doing what he has been doing on the mound, while the Owls will need to be better defensively and at the plate.  FAU is chasing that elusive first Friday night win of the season and "W" could be a huge confidence booster for the team.

Jr. Mike Gipson has been solid for the Owls, having improved upon last years numbers, and has drawn deserved praise from McCormack.

"Mike has matured mentally understands pitching and his opponents more. Has a little more trust in his stuff, which has proved to be a big difference so far this season".

He also feels the team is ready for the start of Sun Belt conference play.

"I believe so, definitely the starting pitching  with Talor and Gipson are ready and the bull pen we have , I think we're OK".

The Owls have been soaring offensively with a pair of juniors making a difference. Andy Mee (.349, 1 HR 6 RBI), and Dan Scheffler(.455, 3 HR, 13 RBI) have been instrumental from the plate for FAU.

A returner McCormack talked about improving offensively was Jr. Nick DelGuidice (.342, 2 HR, 14 RBI). And he responded by delivering in a flurry during the Boston College series and Pitt game.

"He's not a guy I worry about, he's mentality strong and understands his swing and does a good job with it", said McCormack.

Friday’s Match-up: March 12th - 7:00pm ET

Florida Atlantic projected starter: RHP Taylor Everist (0-3, 3.50 ERA)
Troy projected starter: RHP Drew Hall (0-1, 4.66 ERA)

Saturday’s Match-up: March 13th - 7:00pm ET

Florida Atlantic projected starter: RHP Mike Gipson (3-0, 1.80 ERA)
Troy projected starter: RHP Andrew Dickinson (2-1, 5.00 ERA)

Sunday’s Match-up: March 14th - 2:00pm ET

Florida Atlantic projected starter: RHP Kevin Alexander (1-1, 6.08 ERA)
Troy Projected starter: LHP Shane McCain (1-1, 6.60 ERA) or RHP Tyler Ray (1-1, 6.20 ERA)

Talking Baseball with FAU Head Coach John McCormack
FAU vs Troy Series Discussion Thread