Owls start season off with convincing 9-2 win against Cincinnati

February 17, 2013

Outfielder Corey Keller led the Saturday noon game against Cincinnati with four hits and three RBIs to win the game 2-9. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

The FAU Owls baseball team received national attention this year when they earned some Top 40 votes.

Justifying the acclaim, the Owls started their season off with a 9-2 win against the visiting University of Cincinnati Bearcats.

This was the first of a two-game doubleheader after rain on Friday postponed the opening game.

Sophomore starting pitcher Austin Gomber put in a quality start, holding Cincinnati to two runs on four hits. Gomber collected six strikeouts, while walking just four batters on 81 pitches.

“I put a lot of emphasis in the off season on my pitch control,” said Gomber, “because I had a problem with walking guys last season.”

Gomber, a lefty out of Winter Garden, Fla., walked a team-high 33 batters in 2012.

Starting pitcher Austin Gomber managed to strike out six Cincinnati players in the noon game. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

Senior outfielder Corey Keller led the Owls’ offensive charge, driving in three runs on a highly efficient 4-5 at the plate.

Junior catcher Levi Meyer had a solid game as the designated hitter, going 3-5 on the afternoon. His three hits included a solo home run to left field and single to right field, totaling to two runs batted in.

Senior Mike Spano also contributed two RBI while taking on catching duties.

“Meyer had a great game,” added Gomber. “We have two of the best, if not the two best catchers in the conference right now.”

The Owls play Cincinnati once more in a Saturday doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. at FAU baseball stadium.