Fifteen runs highlight first three innings Florida Atlantic (7-4, 1-0) got their Sun Belt conference schedule off to a great start tonight while handing Troy (5-6, 0-1) a 13-8 defeat in Troy, AL. The Owls had won just two of eleven in the all-time series against the Trojans heading into Fridays match-up, and were swept 3-0 last season. Troy was without its normal Friday night starter in Tyler Ray, who was sidelined with a stomach illness. FAU chased replacement Trojans starter Drew Hull from the mound after just two innings of work to lead 9-0 behind a grand slam by first baseman Dan Scheffler, who recorded his fourth home-run and 17th RBI on the year. It was his first grand slam as well. But the difference would be short lived as the Trojans answered with five runs in the bottom half of the second against Owl starter Taylor Everist. Coach John McCormack went to the bullpen thereafter, calling on Ryan Garton, who threw 122 pitches, of with 78 were strikes, to effectively close it out for Florida Atlantic in seven official innings of action. Garton tallied a career high 11 strikeouts on the night. They threatened and he made some huge pitches, said McCormack. He was outstanding tonight. Anthony Mesas home run in the top of the fifth put FAU ahead 11-6. The Trojans would answer with solo runs in the 8th and 9th innings, and were led by Chase Whitley, Blake Martz and Jake Sullivan. Each accounted for three hits apiece. The Owls return to action tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. for game two for the series. Discussion
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