Owls Host Michigan, Continuing 12 Game Homestand

 Michigan at Florida Atlantic at FAU Stadium
 Series Details Boca Raton, Fla. | Tuesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 2
 Game Coverage Live Stats HERE; Watch Live HERE                               
 Tuesday, March 1 | 6:30 p.m. FAU Nicholas Del Prado (RHP) vs. Michigan – TBD
 Wednesday, March 2 | 6:30 p.m. FAU Hunter Cooley (LHP) vs. Delaware – Carter Welch (LHP)
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BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University baseball team captured their second consecutive series over the weekend, taking a 2-of-3 series over Delaware. The Owls will continue their 12-game home stand played out over the next 18 days when the Owls play host to Michigan on Tuesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March. 2. Both games are slated for 6:30 p.m.

Second baseman Steven Loden’s hot bat has picked up where it left off last season. The Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania native leads the Owls with a .407 batting average while newcomer Jackson Ross is not far behind, hitting at a .346 clip. Center fielder Jalen DeBose leads the Owls in RBI, coming out of the order’s nine spot with 13. Gabriel Rincones, Jr. trails by just one, at 12, and has a team-leading four home runs.

On the bump, Hunter Cooley leads the team with a 2-0 record, but is not expected to be a factor in the Michigan games. Sam DrumhellerRobert WegielnikMax Martzolf and Evan Waterbor have appeared in three games each and all three could be a factor on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Owls are projected to start Nicholas Del Prado on Tuesday. DelPrado has made two appearances this season and holds a 3.0 ERA through three innings of work. Wednesday’s starter has yet to be determined.
OWLS IN REVIEWLast weekend, FAU dropped the first game to Delaware but rebounded on Saturday behind the arm of senior captain Cooley. Cooley tossed a gem, allowing three runs, two of which were earned. He threw 95 pitches in the outing and claimed four strikeouts to one walk. Eight of the nine Owl starters recorded a hit in the game with leadoff hitter Armando Albert led the way with two RBI.

It was more of the same on Sunday. Tibur Rivero threw 5.2 inning of scoreless baseball. He retired three by strikeout and he walked just one. FAU’s bullpen came into play with two of the three pitchers turning in shutout work on the way to a 5-1 win and the series. Offensively, Jackson Ross was 3-for-4, DeBose was 2-for-3 with two RBI and Loden also recorded two RBI on a 2-for-4 day at the plate.
THE OWLS’ OPPONENTMIchigan comes into the game with a 5-2 record. The Wolverines dropped 2-of-3 at the College Baseball Showdown, picking up a win versus Kansas State. They played a fourth game in the state of Texas, recording a win over UT Arlington on February 21. They then headed to Miami for a neutral site game versus Seton Hall, also a win. Michigan continued their South Florida trip with a set at FIU, both wins.
OPPONENT HISTORYThe two teams have met just once before with Michigan being the 4-1 victor, back on Feb. 28, 2005. Last weekend, the Wolverines were in Miami where they took two offensive ladened games from FIU. Saturday’s contest was a 16-8 final while Sunday turned into a long day due to rain delays, but ultimately Michigan won, 13-9. Five players are hitting over .300 with Clark Elliot leading the way with a .387 average. He, along with Joe Stewart, are the home run threats with three each. Chase Allen leads the staff with two wins and a 3.09 ERA, but as of this evening, Michigan will plan to use the pitching staff through both of the two-midweek contests.
OWLS’ BASEBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIAFollow along with the team on Twitter @FAUBaseball, on Instagram and “like” FAU Baseball on Facebook.
AFTER THISFAU will play host to Fordham for a three-game weekend set. First pitch on Friday, March 4 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Saturday the Owls will host the Rams at 4 p.m. and on Sunday the series will wrap up starting at noon.
TICKETSTickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-FAU-OWLS or visiting FAU’s baseball tickets website.