BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Riding a seven-game winning streak, the Florida Atlantic University Owls took care of business Friday night with a 4-1 Conference USA opening victory over host UAB, extending the streak to eight.
The Owls won in all three phases of the game. FAU displayed power – with two home runs; defense – stranding six Blazer baserunners, including at least one in scoring position in each of the first four innings; and pitching – seeing reliever Ainsley Lambert closeout the game with a perfect final three innings of work.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Following a scoreless first, Olivia Peterson picked up her second homer of the season. The Owls then got back-to-back two-out singles and took advantage of UAB miscues to add a second run. UAB responded with one run in the bottom half of the second and the two teams went scoreless in the third.
FAU’s Riley Ennis hit her second homer of the season, her first was a weekend walk-off grand slam, to put the Owls up 3-1. Sommer Baker would follow with a double and later scored on a Cammeo Presutti RBI single.
For the fourth-consecutive inning, the Blazers got their leadoff batter on base, three by singles and the fourth via a walk, and for the fourth-consecutive inning starter Lynn Gardner got out of the jam.
The Owls were held scoreless over their next three frames, but reliever Lambert was lights out, throwing a perfect fifth, sixth and seventh to give the Owls the first win of the three-game series.
NOTES/NOTABLE
- Ennis led all FAU hitters with a 2-for-3 night, including the homer, two runs scored and an RBI
- Baker also was 2-for-3, with her second double of the season and a run scored
- Peterson’s home run accounted for the Owls fourth run
- Gardner moved to 6-3 on the season after four innings of work, scatting four hits and allowing an unearned run
- Lambert faced the minimum number of batters, nine, over the final three innings and struck out two
NEXT UP
The two teams will return to the field on Saturday, attempting to beat the forecasted weather with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
TICKETS
Fans may purchase tickets online or at FAU’s softball stadium.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
For the Owls’ complete schedule, click HERE. To follow the team socially, visit @fausoftball, or for the most up-to-date information go to www.fausports.com.
