This past weekend, Florida Atlantic baseball (6-5) took on Villanova University (2-6) at FAU Baseball Stadium. FAU’s offense broke throughout the weekend, outscoring the Wildcats 37-14 and piling up hit after hit in front of the hometown crowd.
Friday
The Owls opened the series with an offensive clinic, recording 15 hits in an 11-4 victory.
FAU wasted no time setting the tone. After singles by Brando Leroux and Michael Perazza in the second inning, redshirt freshman TJ Gramesty delivered his first collegiate hit, a two-out RBI single to center, to spark a two-run inning. The Owls added three more in the third to take a 5-0 lead.
Villanova managed to get on the board in the fourth, but FAU responded in the fifth. With two outs and runners on, Gramesty struck again, and Nick Romano followed with a two-run single to stretch the lead to 9-1.
Michael Perazza tripled, and John Martinez added his third hit of the night in the eighth to provide insurance for the Owls. Romano (3-for-4), Perazza (3-for-4), and Martinez (3-for-5) combined for nine of FAU’s 15 hits.
On the mound, James Litman (2-1) delivered six strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out seven to secure the win.
Saturday
FAU clinched the series on Saturday with another 11-run performance, defeating Villanova 11-5 behind timely hitting and dominant relief pitching.
After Villanova jumped ahead 2-0 in the third, Nick Romano quickly changed the momentum with a three-run home run to right field. The home run was his second of the season and put FAU in control.
Starter Tyler Murphy allowed two runs over four innings before handing the ball to Zach Kilby, who took control of the game. Kilby retired the Wildcats in order in the fifth and then delivered an immaculate inning in the sixth. Nine pitches, nine strikes, three strikeouts, marking the Owls’ second immaculate inning in the last four years.
FAU broke the game open with a seven-run sixth inning, highlighted by run-scoring hits from Ian Collier and Eli Small. Five Owls recorded multi-hit performances, including Perazza and Martinez for the second consecutive day.
Sunday:
The Owls left no doubt in Sunday’s finale, overpowering Villanova 15-5 in seven innings to complete the sweep.
FAU’s offense stayed hot, coming up with 20 hits in the final game, and applied pressure throughout the game. Five different players had multiple hits for the second consecutive game. Perraza and Martinez each went 2-4, and Collier, Leroux and Small also had 2 hits as well, as FAU had consistent quality at-bats. Villanova showed brief signs of life, but FAU’s depth, both at the plate and on the mound, overtook the game. The run rule victory finished a statement weekend for the Owls.
The Owls now look to carry their rhythm into Gainesville on Tuesday, March 3, taking on the No. 9 University of Florida Gators at Condron Family Ballpark.
Sophia Rodriguez is a Staff Writer for the University Press. Email her at [email protected] for more information on this or other stories.
