Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
Lipscomb
Schmal Quiets Lipscomb Bats
5/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 6, 2006
With a doubleheader split on Saturday afternoon, Florida Atlantic University's baseball team earned the series win over Lipscomb University. The Owls dropped game one 11-6 before a career-game from Joel Schmal on the mound gave FAU the 7-4 win in game two.
Schmal made his first start since February 26 and worked a career-high 8 2/3 innings as he improved to 6-2 on the year. The junior left-handed pitcher allowed only one run through the first eight innings. Schmal retired the leadoff hitter in each inning except the sixth when he gave up a double to Lipscomb's Tadd Brewer. After moving over to third on a ground out, Brewer scored on a sacrifice fly by Nathan Sensing.
It wasn't until the ninth inning that the Bisons took advantage of three Owl errors to put three additional runs on the board. Chris Eberhart, entered in the ninth with the bases loaded to record the final out and earn his first save of the year.
FAU's offense posted 13 hits while Schmal held Lipscomb in check. After putting two runs on the board in the first five innings, the offense posted four in the sixth inning. Nick Arata recorded an RBI on a bunt, before a Jordan Hafer triple plated two more runs. Travis Ozga became the second freshman in the inning to record an RBI as he singled home pinch runner Mario Duarte.
Duarte finished the after with a triple of his own in the eighth inning and scored the Owls final run of the game when he was singled home by Ozga for the 7-4 win in game two.
Hafer finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead the Owls.
Josh Smith (3-6) suffered the loss after seven innings of work and allowed six runs on 10 hits and allowed two walks while striking out three.
In the first game of the series, FAU fell behind early as the Bisons posted four runs in the third inning off of FAU starter Brandon Cooney. The offense battled back with runs in each of the next four innings to tie the game at six before the Bisons put up a five spot in the seventh inning. The Owls pitching staff gave up a home run and allowed four walks in the frame as Lipscomb put the game out of reach.
Chris Salberg suffered he loss in relief, while West Palm Beach native, Matt Schnelly earned the win for the Bisons to improve to 4-5.
Ryan Mitchell finished the contest 3-for-5 with three RBI for Lipscomb with a home run. FAU's Anthony Albano finished with a 3-for-5 effort and RBI to lead the Owls.
This week the Owls will play five road games. Tuesday, the team will travel to Florida International for a makeup game before heading to Bethune-Cookman on Wendnesday. On Friday, FAU will start a three-game series at Stetson.
