Gomber’s dominant performance soars Owls to 6-0 win over rival FIU

March 16, 2013

Center fielder Nathan Pittman survives a pickoff attempt at first base. Pittman collected one hit and one run during the Friday night win over FIU. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

Aided by a dominant pitching performance by Austin Gomber, the Owls (12-7) were able to start conference play with a 6-0 win against archrival FIU Panthers (10-9).

Gomber, who pitched seven-plus shutout innings, striking out eight, while giving up eight hits and a walk, faced some early trouble in the first inning before recording the win.

After allowing a one out single to FIU catcher Aramis Garcia to set the bases loaded, Gomber was able to leave the inning unscathed by striking out the side.

“The first inning set the tone,” Owls head coach John McCormack said. “Gomber was fantastic. He gave up some hits but came back with two strikeouts.”

FIU starting pitcher Tyler Alexander was unable to have the same luck as first baseman Mark Nelson’s RBI single put the Owls on the board, scoring outfielder Nathan Pittman in the bottom of the first. The Owls were able to tack on two more runs after catcher Mike Spano’s two-run double.

That seemed to be all Gomber needed as the senior left hander breezed through the Panthers’ lineup, retiring 11 straight batters at one point.

“FIU is a big momentum team,” said Gomber, who notched his second win of the season. “If you get them behind early they kind of quit on you a little bit.”

Starting pitcher Austin Gomber struck out eight FIU batters to secure FAU's 6-0 victory. Photo by Michelle Friswell. — Starting pitcher Austin Gomber struck out eight FIU batters to secure FAU’s 6-0 victory. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

Sanger was able to score on an RBI ground out by Nelson in the fourth while outfielder Geoff Jimenez and Santiago scored in the eighth to mark the final score.

FAU junior relief pitcher Kevin Alexander closed the game going an inning and two thirds striking out two.

As the Owls begin to defend their 2012 regular season Sun Belt Championship, coach McCormack is still trying to keep his team grounded.

“I told the guys we’re not defending anything,” McCormack said. “Defending means you’re not going to do anything and fend off blows. We have to be aggressive and go get another championship.”

“We’re gonna get everybody’s best effort,” Gomber said on being reigning champs. “We just have to keep playing good and keep getting wins.”

With the win, the Owls have extended their winning streak against FIU to six games dating back to last year.

FAU and FIU will continue its three-game series on Saturday, March 16. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at FAU Baseball Stadium.