March 4, 2007

Final Stats

After dropping its first home contest of the season on Saturday, Florida Atlantic University responded with 15 runs on 15 hits to defeat Boston College 15-3 on Sunday afternoon at FAU Stadium. Nick Arata led the Owls offensively with a 3-for-5 performance, while Justin Phillabaum picked up his first win of the season with four innings of relief work.

The Eagles started the game with and unearned run off of starter Brandon Kloess but FAU answered in the bottom of the frame. The second pitch made of the game by BC starter Adam Crabtree was lofted over the leftfield fence as William Block picked up his team-leading fifth homer of the season.

It wasn't until the fourth inning that the Owls broke open the contest with four runs. Justin Martin reached base as he was hit by a pitch and Daniel Cook moved Martin into scoring position with a base hit up the middle. A fly ball to the outfield moved runners to the corners before an infield single by Tyler Stevens gave FAU a 2-1 lead. Arata then stepped to the plate to record his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to centerfield that gave FAU the 5-1 advantage.

Justin Phillabaum, who entered in the third inning, kept the Eagle offense off balance while FAU's bats came alive and allowed only one run on four hits and struck out five. He improved to 1-0 on the year.

"On a day where our pitching was in flux, Phillabaum gave a spectacular performance that was much needed," said Head Coach Kevin Cooney.

FAU added to its lead with runs in the next three innings, including a six run seventh. The inning was highlighted by triples from Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg and Travis Ozga.

Crabtree suffered the loss as he allowed five runs on six hits 3 1/3 innings.

On Tuesday the Owls will play their first midweek game of the season as they host Maine at 7 p.m. Next weekend the team will open Sun Belt conference play at Western Kentucky. It will be the first games for the team in its new conference