Florida Atlantic baseball (3-4, 0-0 AC) wrapped up its second series of the season, finishing 1-2 at the FAU Baseball Stadium. The Owls fell short in their first two games against the Iowa University Hawkeyes (5-2, 0-0 AC), but won the series finale in a back-and-forth 3-2 victory.
The Owls started the series on Friday, falling to Iowa 7-1. Sophomore pitcher James Litman got the start, and Iowa started the game with a home run off of him from infielder Gable Mitchell. Iowa punched in two more runs in the third inning to put the lead at 3-0.
The highlight of the opening game for FAU came on a double play in the sixth inning from junior pitcher Kyzer Smith. In the ninth, senior Ian Collier punched in a run on a base hit by sophomore outfielder Kyle Boylston. That was it for FAU; however, as Iowa extended its lead to 7-1 to clinch its victory.
“We had some opportunities, but when we get guys on base, we’ve just had some bad at-bats. We need to be better in the box; we need to compete more. We’re trying not to make outs instead of trying to get hits,” said FAU head coach John McCormack, postgame after the opening loss.
Saturday’s contest was just as bleak, as FAU managed only four hits in a 5-1 loss. FAU senior pitcher Tyler Murphy drew the start. Iowa scored twice in the second inning on a single, a double, and an FAU error.
Once again, FAU broke the shutout in the ninth inning. A sacrifice fly from sophomore outfielder Michael Perazza allowed senior Nick Romano to score FAU’s only run, and Iowa sealed the loss.
“Losing is not fun, but there was a lot of good that happened today. We have to stay the course. This is a good baseball team,” said McCormack.
The Owls put it all together on Sunday afternoon’s 3-2 victory. A double from senior infielder Brandon Leroux allowed senior Marshall Lipsey to score, giving FAU their first lead of the series at 1-0. Mitchell and Iowa outfielder Bryce Phelps scored runs, putting Iowa back up 2-1.
Boylston shone Sunday, hitting a two-run home run in the fourth to put FAU up 3-2. It was the first home run of his collegiate career.
The Owls held strong defensively, not allowing another run, and also played well offensively, outhitting Iowa 10-9, as they clinched their second victory of the season.
FAU baseball will be back in action Wednesday, Feb. 25, against the University of Miami Hurricanes at FAU Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m., looking for a big win against an in-state rival.
Mikai Datilus is the Sports Editor for the University Press. Email him at [email protected] or DM him on Instagram @mikaidat for more information on this and other stories.
