Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
South Alabama
Schmal Pitches 7 1/3 Innings in 9-3 Win
4/26/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 26, 2007
Joel Schmal pitched 7 1/3 innings in his second start of the season and improved to 3-0 on the year as Florida Atlantic University defeated the University of South Alabama in Sun Belt Conference action. With the win FAU improves to 27-16, 9-13 SBC, while USA falls to 21-19, 6-12 SBC.
"I can't say enough about Schmal's performance," said FAU Head Coach Kevin Cooney. "In his second start of the season he was able to work deep into the game and minimize the use of our bullpen."
The senior from Highland, IN scattered five hits and allowed three runs while striking out four in his effort. He got early run support as the Owls posted three runs in the first inning as the first four FAU batters reached base off USA starter Dan Goldberg. Goldberg suffered the loss after he lasted on 2/3 inning to fall to 4-5 on the year.
Two of the runs came off a two-run Robbie Widlansky double. The junior finished the night 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Batting behind Widlansky in the batting order, Mike McKenna went 3-for-3 at the plate and finished with two RBI of his own.
In the fifth inning Florida Atlantic broke open the game as the team put up a five spot in the bottom of the frame. Nick Arata started the scoring with his fourth homer of the season, a leadoff shot to right field. The team put together four additional hits in the inning including doubles by William Block and a two-run double by Billy Degnan.
The 14 hits for the Owls is the fourth straight game the squad has amassed double-digit hits and it is the third straight contest the team has posted at least nine runs.
The second game of the series will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. with the series finale set for noon on Saturday.
