March 13, 2007

Final Stats

Back-to-back-to-back home runs from Nick Arata, William Block and Daniel Bomback propelled Florida Atlantic University to a 9-4 win over Rutgers University Tuesday night at FAU Stadium. The Owls used 17 hits including eight extra base hits to defeat the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers (6-7) struck first as leadoff hitter Todd Frazier delivered the second pitch of the game over the rightfield fence off of FAU starting pitcher Brandon Cooney.

The Owls (16-5) battled back with two runs in the bottom of the third inning as leadoff hitter Nick Arata picked up a triple, the Owls' 12th of the season. Third baseman William Block followed with a single to leftfield which allowed Arata to score. After stealing second base, Block scored on a Daniel Bomback single up the middle to give the Owls a 3-2 lead.

Three singles and two doubles to the RU hitters in the sixth inning saw Brandon Cooney exit and the Scarlet Knights take back the lead at 4-3. The FAU bats then got hot in the sixth as the put together three consecutive home runs on three pitches. After hitting his seventh homer of the season in the sixth, Bomback added to his total with a two-run shot in the eighth and the 9-4 win.

"Brandon Cooney pitched well and we got great pitching from the bullpen," said FAU Head Coach Kevin Cooney. "The story for the games was the three straight home runs which solidified our lead. Bomback's homer in the eighth iced it."

Bomback finished with four RBI and Arata and Bomback both added two. Each of them also finished with three hits.

Alex Pepe (2-0) earned the win in relief after working 2 2/3 innings and allowing one hit and striking out one. RU starter Sean Spicer fell to 1-1 on the year after 5 2/3 innings and allowing five runs on 12 hits.

FAU will take the field again on Wednesday night when the team hosts Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. This weekend Troy will visit for a three-game conference series.