FAU (6-3) dominated Northeastern University (0-5) in a 14-1 victory on Tuesday, March 1, in Boca Raton.
The Huskies were the first to score as they took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but that was their only score of the night.
The Owls answered back by scoring five runs in their first at bat. NU starting pitcher Kevin Ferguson struggled through three innings of play, allowing eight runs to be scored.
In the bottom of the first, FAU went through its entire lineup as second baseman Raymond Church started and ended the inning. The Owls’ first set of runs came from a two-run RBI single from left fielder Corey Keller.
Keller’s two-run RBI sparked a scoring streak as shortstop Nick DelGuidice and center fielder Colby Gratton scored RBIs. Keller had an impressive game, going 4-for-4 with two runs and five RBIs.
“I found out I was going to start about two hours before game time,” said Keller.
On the mound for FAU, starting pitcher Dalton Wentz was taken out of the game due to an elbow injury after only pitching to three batters. Coming in to relieve him was Ahmed Garcia (1-0) who pitched an impressive six innings, allowing only three hits, no runs and no walks, with five strikeouts.
“I felt really good today,” said Garcia. “My inside fastball, staying on top of the hitters, and being ahead of the count was really key tonight.”
Leading 8-1 going into the bottom of the sixth, FAU continued to annihilate the NU defense, scoring four more runs as first baseman Dan Scheffler, designated hitter Eddie Cassidy, Keller, and Gratton all scored RBIs to give the Owls a 12-1 lead.
It didn’t stop there, as Garcia got a quick three outs in the seventh, allowing the Owls’ scoring momentum to be continued in the bottom of the inning. FAU’s final two runs came from catcher Mike Albaladejo, who scored on a wild pitch by NU relief pitcher Greg Ferguson. The final score came off another RBI by Keller.
Nathan Pittman made his first pitching appearance as he came in to close the game for FAU. Pittman allowed no hits and got a quick three outs to seal the 14-1 win for the Owls.
“I told the players it’s time for this offense to start swinging their bats,” said head coach John McCormack. “There are seven seniors in that batting lineup. We can’t keep being as inconsistent as we’ve been for the first eight games.”
FAU will next face Lynn University on Wednesday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Boca Raton.
