Owls win fourth consecutive game on Nelson’s walk-off hit against Toledo

March 9, 2013

Second baseman Sean Murrell, who was walked in the bottom of the 9th inning, scored the final run of the game beating Toledo 4-3. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

Thanks to some timely hitting by Mark Nelson, FAU baseball are now the winners of four straight.

Nelson, the Owls’ senior first baseman, knocked home the game-winning RBI in Friday’s 4-3 win over Toledo at FAU baseball stadium.

With the contest knotted at 3-3 entering the ninth, FAU second baseman Sean Murrell got on base by way of a walk, and then advanced to second due to a costly Toledo error.

Nelson would then make the Rockets pay, reeling off a base hit to center field to drive in Murrell for the walk-off winner.

It was Nelson’s second hit of the night, as he finished two for five from the plate, recording two RBIs.

Kevin Alexander, who went two innings (allowing one hit and two walks), got the win for FAU. He relieved sophomore Austin Gomber (10 hits, two earned runs, six strikeouts) after seven innings.

First baseman Mark Nelson (center) picked up two hits and two RBI's, one of which drove Sean Murrell in clinching the Owls' Friday night victory over Toledo. Photo by Michelle Friswell. — First baseman Mark Nelson (center) picked up two hits and two RBI’s, one of which drove Sean Murrell in clinching the Owls’ Friday night victory over Toledo. Photo by Michelle Friswell.

As a team, the Owls recorded less hits (nine) than Toledo (11); other than Nelson, only third baseman Ricky Santiago totaled more than one hit for FAU.

But it was the Rockets’ miscues that ultimately contributed to their downfall.

The Owls traded a run with Toledo after one inning of play, and then tied the game at 2-2 in the fifth inning. FAU then took a 3-2 lead in the seventh after a Toledo error (one of three on the night) scored shortstop Mitch Morales.

By notching their fourth consecutive victory, the Owls now sport a 9-5 record heading into the second of an eight-game homestand.

FAU continues its three-game series against Toledo on Saturday, March 9. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.