Owls push winning streak to five games with 7-6 win over South Alabama

March 31, 2013

Second baseman Robert Buckley runs into home off of Levi Meyer's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth inning. Buckley scored three runs and picked up two RBIs in Saturday's victory. Photo by Michelle Friswell. — Second baseman Robert Buckley runs into home off of Levi Meyer’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth inning. Buckley scored three runs and picked up two RBIs in Saturday’s victory. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

It was a closer call than Friday night’s 6-3 win, but FAU again got the job done against No. 24 South Alabama.

Extending their winning streak to five games, the Owls (18-9) defeated the Jaguars 7-6 on Saturday afternoon at FAU baseball stadium.

After trading runs in the second inning, FAU fell behind 6-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

They would remain resilient and battle back, however.

Thanks to a two RBI triple by junior second baseman Robert Buckley, and hits by catcher Levi Meyer and first baseman Mark Nelson, the Owls reeled off three runs in the fifth, cutting the deficit to 6-5.

In the seventh inning, Buckley drew a walk, and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Nelson, knotting the game at 6-6.

In the eighth, the Owls would take the lead — and ultimately secure victory — in an unconventional way.

Freshman pitcher Kyle Miller recorded his first victory on Saturday with a 7-6 win against the University of South Alabama. Miller struck out three batters and pitched three scoreless innings. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

Following a base hit by third baseman Ricky Santiago and a sacrifice bunt, the Jaguars committed a fielding error, allowing Santiago to touch home with the deciding run.

FAU senior closer Hugh Adams closed out the contest by recording his eighth save of the season.

Owls freshman righty Kyle Miller, who went three scoreless innings and struck out three batters, got the win, his first of the season. Senior Jake Meiers started for FAU, lasting just 3.1 innings and allowing three earned runs on nine hits.

Buckley and Meyer each finished two for three from the plate, combining for four RBIs. Shortstop Mitch Morales and outfielder Nathan Pittman also totaled one RBI.

The Owls have now won eight of their last 10 games, as they go for the sweep of the visiting Jaguars.

FAU closes its three-game home series against South Alabama on Sunday, March 31. First pitch is scheduled for noon.