Florida Atlantic University’s baseball team will host Florida Gulf Coast University on March 16 for the first of three meetings between the two teams this season.
The matchup is part of a 10-game homestand for the Owls, who currently hold a record of 13-7. The game highlights a rivalry known as the Alligator Alley series.
The Owls recently secured two walk-off victories against UMBC over the weekend. On Friday, Michael Perazza tied the game with a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, and John Martinez delivered a two-RBI single in the 11th to complete a four-run rally. Sunday’s game saw Zach Kilby and Bryan Boully combine to keep UMBC scoreless for six innings, with Eli Small tying the game in the eighth and then winning it with an infield single in the tenth.
Looking back at last year’s contest between FAU and FGCU, Florida Gulf Coast led by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth before FAU rallied to tie and eventually win on a walk-off RBI single by Marshall Lipsey. Florida Atlantic leads their all-time series against FGCU 20-18.
John Martinez has been performing strongly for FAU, leading his team in hits (28), RBI (15), doubles (4), and total bases (33). Eli Small also contributed significantly over the weekend with key hits that helped secure victories. For FGCU, Jon Embury stands out with nine home runs, 36 RBI, and a .419 batting average as his team comes off four straight wins.
After facing FGCU, Florida Atlantic will begin American Conference play against UTSA on Friday night at FAU Baseball Stadium.
