Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
Eastern Michigan
Three-Run Ninth Inning Propels FAU to 12-11 Win
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 1, 2008
David Wilson and Nick Arata both came up with clutch hits in the bottom of the ninth inning as Florida Atlantic University overcame a two-run deficit to earn a 12-11 win over Eastern Michigan University on Saturday afternoon. Wilson and Arata both finished with two hits on the afternoon.
The Owls (4-3) started the ninth inning down 11-9. Travis Ozga and Tom Hatcher started the inning with a walk and ground-rule double off EMU pitcher Kevin Wammes. Matt Shoemaker then entered in relief for the Eagles and Alex Silversmith stepped to the plate to pinch hit. Silversmith loaded the bases after being hit by a pitch before David Wilson drove home the first run of the rally on a ground ball to third base. The number nine hitter Nick Arata stepped to the plate with one out and two runners in scoring position. With a 2-1 count, Arata drilled a ball back up the middle that the shortstop watched dribble between his legs as two FAU runners crossed the plate for the win.
Eastern Michigan (0-9) committed two errors in the contest and did not pick up its first hit until the sixth inning. FAU starter Jeff Believeau only allowed one hits in 5 1/3 innings and struck out seven. After hitting two batters in the sixth and giving up his lone hit he exited for FAU reliever Mike Obradovich. Obradovich struggled in relief as he allowed five runs on four hits as EMU picked up nine runs in the sixth inning to take a 9-5 lead.
The Owls answered back in the bottom of the frame. After two hits and an RBI by William Block, Friday night's hero Mike McKenna stepped to the plate with two outs. He delivered a three-run home run deep to centerfield to tie the game.
Chris Schmitt earned his first win in relief for FAU. He worked 2/3 innings allowed one hit and struck out one. Shoemaker suffered the loss in 1/3 innings.
The two teams will complete the four-game series on Sunday with a 1 p.m. matchup.
