CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University baseball team (21-13) nearly upset No. 2 Miami (27-6) on Tuesday before a late-inning rally denied the effort. The Owls fell by a final of 7-6.
THE BEGINNING
The Owls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning despite just one hit. A walk, a hit by pitch, and an error helped the cause. The Hurricanes responded in the second with two of their own to tie the game.
THE TURNING POINT
FAU took the lead again with four runs in the sixth inning. RBI singles from Jackson Ross and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. paired with two more Miami errors led to a 6-2 Owls lead.
The Hurricanes would chip away and, entering the bottom of the eighth, it was 6-4. With two outs and one on, things went sideways for the Owls. After a walk, an RBI single, and a balk, Miami tied the game on a wild pitch. Jacob Burke then hit a slow chopper to third and was called safe on a close play at first base. After a replay review, he was confirmed safe, scoring the go-ahead run from third.
THE FINISH
FAU had the heart of the order due up in the top of the ninth, but Canes’ closer Andrew Walters struck out the side to complete the comeback.
THE ARMS
- The Owls used seven pitchers with only Marc DeGusipe remaining in for two innings
- Bryan Boully started and lasted 1.1
- DeGusipe allowed two hits, two walks, and no runs
- Nicholas Del Prado was also instrumental in keeping the game tied in the middle innings. Del Prado allowed a hit and a walk in 1.2 shutout frames
THE BATS
- Ross and Rincones, Jr. each finished 2-for-4. Ross had two RBI.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Owls are back home on Thursday to start a C-USA series with Western Kentucky. First pitch is 6:30 pm.
TICKETS
To purchase FAU tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or click HERE. Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com, or through the baseball’s Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUBaseball.
