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BOCA RATON – FAU broke out of its six-game losing streak emphatically, sweeping Monmouth 3-0 in a weekend series to return to .500.
Any frustration FAU (6-6) developed over its winless drought was released onto the Hawk’s pitching. The Owls averaged a whopping 9.3 runs per game over the home series, powering through whoever Monmouth put on the mound.
“I don’t concern myself with the record, we’ll deal with that at another time. We just got to play better,” FAU coach John McCormack said. “And I thought we played better. ”
Catcher Pedro Pages drove in a team-high five runs in Sunday’s game, pacing the Owls offense from his No. 3 spot in the lineup. Pages was 3-for-5 overall one the day. Outfielder Eric Rivera smacked five hits over the weekend, raising his batting average to .327.
Two of outfielder Bobby Morgenson’s three hits in the series went yard. The JUCO transfer now has three homers on the year to lead the Owls.
FAU’s pitching couldn’t match the dominance of its offense, however. Monmouth, who came into this series having been held scoreless in three of its first six games, managed a combined 13 runs against the Owls.
McCormack says his young arms’ improvement should start with throwing more strikes.
“We’re in bad counts, and I don’t care who we’re pitching against – if it’s the Yankees or the Boca Bombers – if you’re in bad counts you’re going to get hurt,” McCormack said. “You could take everything out of baseball, but if the hitters are in plus counts, they’re going to do damage. If they’re not, it’s really hard to hit.”
Mike Ruff and Blake Sanderson were FAU’s most productive starters and they produced nearly identical stat lines. They both earned wins, struck out nine and allowed four runs in their respective outings.
The Owls have a day of rest before hosting Appalachian State on Tuesday. A win against the Mountaineers would put FAU back above .500. First pitch from FAU Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m.
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