Second baseman Mike Albaladejo’s season-high four hits were not enough for FAU to capture a home victory over a ranked opponent.
The Owls fell to the #21 UCF knights 11-3 at FAU Baseball Stadium. FAU trailed the entire game to the delight of the Knight fans, who outnumbered the FAU fans present at the game.
By the seventh inning, FAU trailed 7-3. Owls starting pitcher Kevin Perez was pulled after allowing seven runs in five innings.
UCF took a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a triple to center from Knights right fielder Alex Friedrich. FAU junior outfielder Corey Keller responded in the second inning with a home run on the first pitch in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to 2-1.
UCF responded in the top of the third, surprising the Owls when Darnell Sweeney laid down a bunt on the third base line. This set up a successful inning for the Knights, as they scored a run off a double from Friedrich.
In the fourth inning, an error by Perez allowed UCF runners to reach first and second. The Knights brought in three runs during the inning off four hits.
UCF changed their pitcher once again, sending in right-hander Bryan Brown, who prevented the Owls from scoring a run.
In the next inning, the Owls had a chance to retire the side, but Perez walked left fielder JoMarcos Woods. A Travis Shreve double down the third base line scored Woods, bringing the Knights lead to 7-1.
Keller’s single in the fifth inning brought Albaladejo home, making the score 7-2.
In the sixth inning, FAU brought in left-handed pitcher Bo Logan, who allowed no hits. Albaladejo drove in Geoff Jimenez on a single in the 6th inning, trimming the lead to 7-3.
The eighth inning sealed the Owls’ fate, as the Knights brought in four runs. The highlight of this inning was UCF center fielder Ronnie Richardson’s two-run home-run, which sent the multitude of Knight fans cheering. FAU once again, was unable to respond, getting shut out in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Albaladejo went 4 for 5 with an RBI. Keller was 3 for 4 with two RBI’s.
The Owls were disappointed to lose another game to a ranked opponent, but plan on making up for the loss on Friday at home against Louisiana-Lafayette.
“Some of these games get away from you,” shortstop Mitch Morales said. “But you gotta get your head back on for a conference game.”
The Owls will play a three game series against conference opponent Louisiana-Lafayette beginning March 30.
