A late-game scoring outburst rescued FAU from its first conference loss.

Junior first baseman Mark Nelson, with a career-high six RBI’s on a pair of home runs in the sixth and seventh innings, helped bring the team back from a 4-0 deficit,  as FAU defeated FIU 9-5 at FIU Baseball Stadium.

The Owls scored all of their nine runs in the sixth and seventh innings. FAU’s scoring spree was started with two outs in the sixth inning with a Geoff Jimenez single. Second baseman Mike Albaladejo’s fly ball was dropped, allowing Jimenez to dash home for FAU’s first run. Nelson would conclude the inning with the first of his homers, a two-run bomb to left field, cutting the deficit to 4-3.

The Owls added six more runs in the seventh inning to complete the comeback and put the game away for good. The game was tied by junior catcher Mike Spano on a throwing error by FIU pitcher Michael Ellis. Then, a Mitch Morales ground out brought in Corey Keller as the Owls took the lead for the first time. Nelson finished off the inning with a grand slam to right field, giving FAU a 9-4 advantage.

FAU starting pitcher Kevin Alexander allowed four runs in seven innings. Alexander is now 3-0 on the season.

Owls relief pitcher Josh Gonzaga wrapped up the game’s final two innings, allowing four hits and one run.

Nelson finished 2 for 5. Jimenez was also 2 for 5. Morales went 1 for 4 with an RBI.

FAU concludes the series on Sunday March 18 at 1 p.m.