By: Tobey Schulman
NCAA Baseball Recap: Rice 5 – FAU 4
FAU came into the series opener against Rice on Friday hoping to cover some ground in the conference standings. With Rice a game behind them, a series opening win would’ve been big for their momentum throughout the rest of the series. Both Rice and FAU would battle all game, but Rice would ultimately come out on top 5-4 for the game one victory.
FAU was able to jump on the scoreboard early in the first after a bases loaded walk and a wild pitch scored two runs. Rice would come back in the second with a pair of home runs from Pierce Gallo and Manny Garza which helped take the lead back 3-2. After a hit-by-pitch caused another run to score in the third, Rice now led the game 4-2.
John Schroeder would stay hot at the plate for the Owls, as he doubled to score Jake Millan and cut Rice’s lead to one run in the fifth. Neither FAU or Rice would score until the ninth inning, where Jake Millan came up for FAU and knotted the game up at 4-4 with a solo home run. In the bottom half of the ninth however, Rice would plate the game winning run off of a fielder’s choice, and take a 1-0 series lead over the FAU Owls.
C.J. Williams had another rather uncharacteristic start for him. He gave up four runs but settled in nicely after the third inning to go for six innings pitched. Sam Drumheller would come in for relief and toss two scoreless innings, and Steven Andrews was given the loss as he gave up the losing run in the bottom half of the ninth.
While not an ideal way to start the series, an away series opener is always an uphill battle. FAU still has two chances to salvage and win the series with a doubleheader Saturday as weather on Sunday doesn’t look too optimistic for baseball. With these two teams 10-12 in the conference standings, this doubleheader is crucial for both teams.