FAU Survives Elimination Game in First Round of the Coral Gables Regionals

Florida Atlantic University’s baseball team escaped elimination with an 8-4 win against the Stetson Hatters.

By: Shaheem Sutherland

MIAMI, June. 4, 2016- In the top of the ninth inning Florida Atlantic’s freshman Tyler Frank homers left-field and picks up a RBI (Austin Langham), stretching the Owls lead against Stetson University to 8-4. In an elimination game FAU (39-18) lives to fight another day in the Coral Gables Regional.

During the eighth inning Florida Atlantic rallies together to put three runs on the board to get their first lead of the game. Right-fielder Brett Lashley doubles, and brings teammates Austin Langham, and Tyler Frank across home plate. Junior Stephen Kerr follows with a single that brings Lashley home.

Glimpses of the Owls catching fire starts in the sixth inning as pitcher Devon Carr sets FAU’s infield up for a double play, getting players Austin Hale, and Colton Lightner out. In the seventh inning FAU’s offense picks up where the defense left with a C.J Chatham sacrifice fly that brings home Kerr.

In the fourth inning Gunnar Lambert doubles and produces an RBI (Christian Dicks), and Kerr follows with a single to bring Lambert home.

Facing adversity, and playing for one another are characteristics that are found within the Owls. Last fall FAU Baseball received news that is hard for anyone to swallow, both Head Coach John McCormack, and junior catcher Kevin Abraham were diagnosed with forms of cancer. Now several months later, both Abraham and McCormack are stronger, and are now fighting to become Regional Champions. Fighting is the word that best describes the mentality of FAU Baseball this season. Whether it’s facing cancer or rallying together to overcome a deficit; FAU Baseball does not fold.

According to Coach McCormack’s mother, Brenda McCormack, “success breeds success.” “The Owls have done a good job. They had some setbacks with health, issues for both players and coach. But they stuck together, and came through very well.”

The Owls will face Long Beach State tomorrow at 1 p.m. The winner of the game will then take on the undefeated team (Miami) at 7 p.m.

shaheem.sutherland@yahoo.com

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