Florida Atlantic University’s baseball team fell to a 1-1 record after losing 14-1 to Notre Dame on Saturday afternoon in Boca Raton. The teams are scheduled to play the deciding game of the series on Sunday.
In the opening inning, Florida Atlantic loaded the bases without a hit through three walks and a hit batter. However, Notre Dame freshman pitcher Caden Crowell struck out Jayden Harriel to end the threat.
Notre Dame began scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second inning, then added four runs in the third, capitalizing on two errors by FAU along with a hit batter, a walk, and three hits. Three more runs followed in the fourth inning as Notre Dame increased its lead.
FAU managed only two hits during the game. Michael Perazza recorded an inside-the-park home run in the fourth inning after his line drive bounced off Notre Dame’s left fielder’s glove and rolled into the corner. This put FAU’s only run on the board. Brando Leroux contributed FAU’s other hit with a single.
Notre Dame extended its lead with two additional runs in the sixth and four more in the ninth inning.
Head Coach John McCormack commented: “Credit to Notre Dame, they pitched exceptionally well. Their freshman pitcher… to regroup after that first inning and do what he did was impressive. We also gave them too many opportunities. We didn’t throw enough strikes and didn’t make enough plays to get out of innings.”
Tyler Murphy started for FAU and was charged with five runs over three innings, taking the loss. Six bullpen pitchers followed him, including Dylan Oborne and Brody Juntunen, who both made scoreless season debuts.
FAU drew six walks and had two batters hit by pitches but stranded nine runners on base.
The series concludes Sunday at noon before FAU continues its homestand against Missouri on Tuesday.
