Reminiscent of a classic pitcher’s duel, Jeremy Strawn and the Owls outlasted Troy in a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon at FAU Stadium.
Strawn, FAU’s junior pitcher, turned in a fine performance, striking out six batters and allowing only four hits in eight scoreless innings of work.
Senior closer Hugh Adams sealed the victory for the Owls with his 13th save of the season.
Shane McCain, the southpaw pitcher from Troy, held the Owls to just three hits and was the recipient of a tough break in the seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Owls designated hitter Tyler Rocklein led off with a double, reaching base as the go-ahead run. He was then bunted to third by pinch hitter Robert Buckley.
Then, FAU catcher Levi Meyer hit a ground ball to short with the infield in, and Rocklein, on a bang-bang play, was thrown out at the plate.
What followed was a fielding error on a long Corey Keller fly ball to right field that let Myer – who was running at the crack of the bat – to score the decisive run.
Strawn had a strong eighth inning of action before giving way to Adams, who put the Trojans down in order to close the contest.
Center field Nathan Pittman and shortstop Mitch Morales were the only other Owls to record hits.
FAU improved their season record to 27-16 and are tied for second in the Sun Belt Conference with a 12-8 mark.
The Owls close out the three-game home series against Troy on Sunday, April 28. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
