After 10 innings of play, FAU (10-6) fell to Seton Hall University (5-7) by a score of 8-4 on Friday, March 11, in Boca Raton.
The lead changed hands several times over the course of the game, but it was Seton Hall that once again got on the board first as they scored a run in the top of the first.
FAU answered back early as it scored a run on an RBI double by shortstop Nick DelGuidice in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game. Then, later in the bottom of the third, first baseman Dan Scheffler drove in an RBI to give the Owls a 2-1 lead.
The lead was short-lived, as the Pirates came out in the top of the fifth to score two more runs, making the score 3-2. In the bottom of the inning, catcher Mike Albaladejo and designated hitter Eddie Cassidy scored RBIs to retake the lead for FAU 4-3.
Starting on the mound for FAU was Paul Davis (3-0), who pitched an impressive seven innings, allowing only three runs and no walks while striking out three.
The Owls held the lead until the top of the ninth, when Andy Mee came in from right field to close the game but blew the save, allowing one run to score.
With the game tied at 4, Seton Hall came into the 10th inning and loaded the bases. Once again, FAU head coach John McCormack rushed onto the field to argue a questionable call that led to the bases being loaded.
On a ground ball back to Mee by Seton Hall second baseman Mike Genovese, Mee threw to second base for the force out of Seton Hall center fielder Zach Granite. DelGuidice caught the ball on the bag and made the motion for first for the double play but stopped as Granite was called safe by third base umpire Jeffrey Cox.
“I thought it was a terrible call by the umpire that changed the complexion of the inning,” said McCormack. “Event Granite admitted it to [third baseman Sean] Bukovich.”
After loading the bases in the 10th inning, Seton Hall pinch hitter Giuseppe Papaccio, who hit a solo home run in the previous game, smacked a grand slam to give the Pirates an 8-4 lead.
The Owls were unable to rally in the bottom of the 10th, only getting one man on board due to an error by Genovese. Seton Hall had six errors in total throughout the game but still managed to seal an 8-4 victory.
“Got to give the other team credit,” said McCormack. “They did everything right despite the six errors.”
FAU will try to avoid the sweep as they play game 3 against Seton Hall on Saturday, March 12, at 12 p.m. in Boca Raton.
