SERIES CAPSULE: FAU @ Memphis - March 28th - 30th, 2024
What: FAU (14-8, 2-1 AAC) vs. Memphis (12-15, 1-2)
When: Thur, March 28th @ 7:00 PM
Fri, March 29th @ 7:00 PM
Sat, March 30th @ 2:00 PM
Where: FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field
Video: ESPN+ (Friday and Saturday only)
Live Stats: Here
Memphis Team Site: Here
Series: First Series
Projected Starting Pitchers:
MEM - RHP David Warren (3-1, 5.24 ERA)
FAU - RHP CJ Williams (4-0, 3.18 ERA)
MEM - LHP Luke Ellis (0-3, 6.48 ERA)
FAU - RHP Tyler Murphy (3-0, 1.80 ERA)
MEM - LHP Caden Robinson (1-2, 6.58 ERA)
FAU - LHP Trey Beard (1-2, 5.64 ERA)
Owl Notables
The Owls clinched their inaugural AAC series victory as they kicked off conference play. However, they encountered another setback in the outfield.
In the series opener against Charlotte, Jalen DeBose suffered an apparent leg injury, requiring assistance off the field. His return timeline remains uncertain, while Spencer Rich works on regaining full fitness after a setback of his own. Fortunately, Daulton Frank has returned to action, rejoining the team on March 24th after a hiatus since March 3rd, providing depth as an infield backup.
Patrick Ward has emerged as a consistent offensive threat while manning third base. He blasted a home run in Sunday's game and has recorded at least one RBI in six of the last eight games. Expect him to sustain his momentum against Memphis.
Jake Millan (pictured below) showcased his versatility during Saturday's doubleheader, scoring three of the Owls' four runs in the opening game and drawing three walks while adding another run in the nightcap despite being held hitless. Anticipate him making valuable contributions throughout the upcoming three-game series.
Pitching remains a cornerstone of the Owls' success through the initial 22 games, spearheaded by starters C.J. Williams and Tyler Murphy. Williams has conceded a mere four earned runs in his last 24 innings, while Murphy leads the team with an impressive 1.80 ERA. His stellar performance included six strikeouts over six innings of work during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.
After this series, the Owls return home to Boca Raton to host Miami on April 2nd at 6:30 PM. The game will be broadcast on FAU TV.
The starters (in non-batting order) for game one should be that of the below:
RF John Schroeder
CF Spencer Rich
LF Jake Millan or Carter Brady
1B Emilio Gonzalez
2B Christian Adams
3B Patrick Ward
DH Dylan LaPointe
SS Brando Leroux
C Andrew Mckenna
P CJ Williams
Tiger Notables
The upcoming series against the Tigers presents an intriguing matchup for the Owls, marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
Memphis began conference play by dropping two out of three games to USF and suffered a defeat against Lipscomb in midweek action. They finished sixth out of eight teams in the American Athletic Conference standings last season.
Senior infielder Daunte Stuart leads the Tigers offensively with a .336 batting average, along with contributing four home runs and 22 RBIs. Memphis tops the AAC in various offensive categories, including runs scored.
FAU's bullpen will need to focus on limiting Memphis' home run production throughout the series. Four of their hitters have recorded at least five homers this season, with Jacob Compton leading the pack with nine.
Following this series, the Tigers next host Ole Miss on April 2nd at 7:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Comments
Top 3rd: FAU 0, Memphis 2
Top 4th: FAU 1, Memphis 2
Top 7th: FAU 1, Memphis 2
Hope it doesn't go to waste!
Bot 8th: FAU 1, Memphis 2
Bad news, so do they.
Top 9th: FAU 1, Memphis 2
Rally time?
👀
All up to you bud!
Doesn't get any closer than that.
Bases loaded, 3-2 count.
Can't get the walk.
Ball game.
Game 2 is tomorrow night…
Hoping that's the real equalizer
Top 5th: FAU 6, Memphis 5
Top 6th: FAU 8, Memphis 5
Top 8th: FAU 8, Memphis 5
ANOTHER pair of homers!
Top 8th: FAU 12, Memphis 5
Top 9th: FAU 12, Memphis 5
Top 5th: FAU 2, Memphis 2