What: Florida Atlantic vs UAB
When: May 15th @ 6:00 PM | May 16th @ 6:00 PM | May 17th @ 1:00 PM
Where: Young Memorial Field
Video: ESPN+
Stats: Stats Broadcast
FAU – LHP Trey Beard (7-0, 2.61 ERA)
UAB – RHP Brendan Connor (1-1, 3.02 ERA)
FAU – RHP Tyler Murphy (4-2, 5.14 ERA)
UAB – RHP Colin Daniel (5-5, 3.46 ERA)
FAU – RHP James Litman (3-3, 5.13 ERA)
UAB – TBA
Owls Notables
After a series loss to in-state rival USF, FAU (34-18, 13-11 AAC) is looking for a weekend victory over the Blazers to carry momentum into the AAC Tournament. Good news is the momentum started early this week thanks to an insane walk off victory against FGCU on Tuesday.
The Owls are currently fourth in the conference with UTSA, Charlotte, and South Florida ahead of FAU. With how tight the American conference is, Florida Atlantic could possibly take the second seed, but could also fall down to a sixth seed.
But in reality, the most likely option for the Owls is a fourth of fifth seed by the time the weekend wraps up.
Like most of the season, FAU is still second in the conference in batting, although the averages have decreased over the past three weeks. Florida Atlantic is slashing .293/.394/.453. Over the past 16 games, the Owls have a slash line of .253/.343/.385.
Only one player is hitting above the .300 mark and that is OF Marshall Lipsey (pictured above via Rick Henderson). The Junior is batting .328 and has 28 total bases to his name since the Wichita State series a month ago. He has been a constant for the Owls in a lineup that has shifted a lot this season.
On the opposite side of the averages, first baseman Jake Millan is batting .200 and has the lowest average among Owls with at least 12 games played in that span. While it has been an undesirable season offensively, the Senior has a perfect fielding percentage over the past 16 games. There is always much talk about how a team is playing entering the postseason, but what about a player? While Millan has the low batting average, he has six RBIs over the past two AAC series for the Owls. When need, he can be clutch. Expect that gene to show up especially over the next two weeks.
On the mound, it has been a rough couple of weeks for Florida Atlantic. A 5.31 team ERA, and an opponent batting average of .290 are the two notable numbers that stand out over the past 16 contests. Yet, the Owls are 10-6 in those games. It’s been the offense carrying the team, but if pitching can calm down, then FAU could be poised.
With the return of Tyler Murphy, the weekend rotation is back in order. The bullpen has been relied on a lot, and last weekend it was Zach Kilby who dominated in his 4.1 IP. The LHP allowed only 4 hits, and held the Bulls to zero runs. In a time where the Owls desperately need a reliable bullpen piece, Kilby made a great argument for himself.
While every weekend seems to be different with the defensive positions of players and starters, Coach McCormack has been consistent in who is hitting the diamond.
Projected Starters
C Ayden Garcia/Dylan LaPointe (Alternating Starts)
1B Jake Millan
2B John Martinez
SS Brando Leroux
3B Nick Romano
RF Danny Baez/Kyle Boylston
CF Marshall Lipsey
LF John Schroeder
Next will be the AAC tournament for FAU with the first round starting on Tuesday at 9 AM.
UAB Notables
Entering the weekend, UAB (23-28, 7-17 AAC) is in last place in the American and have a lot to play for. If the Blazers sweep the Owls and have Memphis and Wichita State end the season with 18 loses in conference, then UAB will make the conference tournament.
The Blazers are slashing .253/.366/.383. The slugging percentage of .383 is the worst in the conference.
In the middle of the diamond, UAB has a 5.71 ERA and opponents are batting .280 against the arms.
Saturday’s starter, Colin Daniel was tabbed the AAC Preseason pitcher of the year, and has two AAC Pitcher of the Week honors this season. If any contest were to favor the Blazers, it would be Saturday’s.
Todd Clay is a name that jumps off the stat sheet, and rightfully so. The Junior has started all 51 games for UAB this season, and leads the team with 50 RBIs. He is also fourth in the American in batting average with a .362 average. Expect to hear his name a lot come this weekend.