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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baseball Ready to Face Nationally Ranked Miami on Wednesday
2/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 28, 2012
Boca Raton, FL - The Florida Atlantic University baseball team will face its first nationally ranked opponent of the season in Wednesday night's game against the University of Miami, starting at 6 p.m., in Coral Gables.
The Hurricanes are ranked eighth in this week's Collegiate Baseball poll and 12th by Baseball America and Perfect Game. Meanwhile, FAU is ranked 35th by Perfect Gameafter earning a 6-1 record after the first two weekends of the spring season.
Florida Atlantic is coming off its first season series victory over Miami since 1984. A7-4 victory in the two teams' last meeting in Coral Gables combined with a 7-3 win last February in Boca Raton to give the Owls the series.
"It is always good to play against good teams, especially early in the season," said FAU Head Baseball Coach John McCormack. "Miami is just one game on the schedule. However, when the NCAA selection committee looks at your resume, the outcome of these games can go a long way in determining your postseason chances."
The Owls have captured series against 2011 NCAA regional qualifiers University of Alabama and Manhattan College so far this spring. They outscored the Crimson Tide 23-6 in winning all three games of the season-opening series on February 17-19 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Then, last weekend, the team opened the home season by taking three of four games against the defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champions. FAU picked up a 7-3 triumph on February 26 in the series finale.
Individually, senior infielder/catcher Mike Albaladejoleads the team in hitting with a .536 batting average. He has recorded 15 hits and scored seven runs this spring. Albaladejo has brought home seven runs from the leadoff spot in the batting order.
Senior outfielder Alex Hudakis also swinging in a red-hot bat during the first two weeks of the season, compiling a .462 batting average. The Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection has connected on a team-best four home runs and is tops on the team with 11 RBIs. He was the Sun Belt Conference's Player of the Week for the first week of the season.
FAU has three other players hitting .300 or better on the season. Junior first baseman Mark Nelson has legged out two doubles as part of his .385 batting average. Freshman shortstop Mitch Morales is hitting .364 at the plate, while sophomore infielder Robert Buckleyhas a .308 average in three games this spring.
Junior third baseman Kyle Newtonhas connected on three home runs to round out a balanced offensive attack. The Owls have already connected on nine home runs this spring.
Pitching is the strength of this year's Florida Atlantic team, with the mound staff compiling a 3.14 earned run average. Relievers have accounted for three of the team's six victoriess. Senior right hander Ryan Garton anchors the starting unit with a 2-0 record and a 0.69 ERA and was the SBC's Pitcher of the Week a week ago. Junior right-handed pitcher Jake Meiersis scheduled to make his third consecutive start against Miami. He tossed six quality innings to pick up the victory in last year's game in Coral Gables, improving his career record to 1-1 against the Hurricanes.
"Jake has pitched well this season and is going to be our mid-week pitcher," said McCormack. "He had a very good game the last time against Miami and we are looking for the same type of success this year."
The Owls' bullpen is anchored by junior R.J. Alvarez, who has a 2-0 record and has yet to allow an earned run in seven innings this season. The right hander picked up the victory over Manhattan on February 26 by tossing 2.2 scoreless innings. He has struck out eight batters.
Redshirt sophomore Kevin Alexanderstands 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and a save in his two appearances.
Miami stands 7-0 on the season and is coming off a series sweep of Albany. The Hurricanes are led by transfer catcher Peter O'Brien, who is hitting .519 with 10 runs scored, three home runs and nine RBIs. Esteban Tresqallo stands .421 at the plate with two doubles. The Hurricanes are projected to start left hander Stephen Ewing, who has been starting the last five FAU-UM contests and came away with a 1-2 record in those games. He has a 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA and 11 strikeouts so far this season.
Live audio and statistics of the game can be found at www.fausports.com. For season tickets contact the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.
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