Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baseball Travels to Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday
4/9/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Boca Raton, FL - The Florida Atlantic University baseball team will look to string together another winning streak when it battles in-state rival Florida Gulf Coast University on Tuesday, April 10 at 6 p.m. in Fort Myers.
The site of the game was moved from Boca Raton to Fort Myers to help FAU accommodate hosting an appearance by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. FAU will now host FGCU on Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday's game begins a five-game road trip for Florida Atlantic.
The Owls' 10-2 record in Sun Belt Conference (SBC) games gives them a two-game edge over second-place Arkansas State University. The team has won all four league series, including taking two of three games against the University of South Alabama last weekend. Overall, FAU stands 22-11 on the season.
Senior infielder Mike Albaladejo leads the team with a .352 batting average and ranks among the SBC's leaders with 45 hits. Meanwhile, junior outfielder Corey Kellerhas had a hit in eight straight games and has increased his average to .342 on the season. He leads the team with six home runs and has driven in 21 runs.
Junior third baseman Kyle Newton rounds out the team's .300 hitters with a .313 average. Junior first baseman Mark Nelsontops the team with 29 runs driven in, and has also connected on five home runs this spring.
FAU has hit 34 home runs to rank 13th nationally and its' 1.03 home runs-per-game rank ninth nationally. The team hit 35 home runs last season.
On the mound, senior right hander Ryan Gartonanchors the staff with a 6-2 record and a 2.81 earned run average. He leads the team with 45 strikeouts and is coming off a victory against South Alabama on April 6.
Sophomore Kevin Alexander is 4-0 with a 2.01 ERA, while freshman left hander Austin Gomberrounds out the starting rotation with a 3-1 record and a 2.27 earned run average.
In the bullpen, junior R.J. Alvarezhas recorded five saves and has tallied 34 strikeouts in 24.2 innings. He has a 3-0 record and a dazzling 0.73 ERA.
Another vital option for Head Coach John McCormack has been senior left hander Ahmed Garcia, who has posted two saves and a 2-0 record on the season.
Florida Gulf Coast is 12-20 on the season and has a signature win over No. 2-ranked Florida State University on April 4 in Tallahassee. The team has a 5-7 record in the Atlantic Sun Conference, following a victory over Mercer on April 7, and has a 10-12 home mark at Swanson Stadium. Sophomore second baseman Brandon Bednar leads the Eagles with a .278 batting average and 19 runs scored. Catcher Andrew Valencia, another talented sophomore, tops the squad with six home runs and 30 RBIs. FGCU has a .222 team batting average.
Live audio and statistics of the game can be found at www.fausports.com. Tickets for any home game may be purchased by calling the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.
