By: Tobey Schulman
Preview: FAU vs. UAB
After nearly beating SEC powerhouse Florida in a midweek matchup on Tuesday, FAU welcomes in the UAB Blazers for a three game series this weekend. The Owls come into this series with a 9-9 record in AAC conference play, tied for a share of third place with Tulane and Charlotte. UAB comes into the series with a 7-11 AAC conference record, one spot in front of Memphis in last place.
This series is pivotal for both teams, as FAU looks to improve their record with a series against UTSA still in future. UAB will look to take any victories they can in Boca Raton, in order to keep them out of last place in the conference standings.
Game one of this series will feature two starters who both look to improve upon their 2.71 ERA’s: C.J. Williams and Blayze Berry. Both right handers have two losses on the year and at least five wins as well. The way Williams has been dealing for the Owls all season, game one can be expected to be a pitcher’s duel unless the Owls offense gets on the UAB pitching staff early.
In order to get to the pitching early, FAU’s offense will rely on their usual guys to produce some run support. Christian Adams, John Schroeder, Jalen DeBose, and Andrew McKenna are among the group of Owls hitters that have been tearing it up lately at the plate. While each batter in the lineup is crucial to the Owls success, it starts with their top of the order, and they’ll look to continue their hot streak at the plate.
In game two, Brandon Smith will make his first weekend start, and this time it won’t be against the Miami Hurricanes. He’ll look to put together a strong outing and help get the Owls yet another home victory to add to their resume. Trey Beard will get the start in the final game of this series, and will look to improve upon his 2-3 record on the mound.
For the offense on the opposing side, Logan Braunschweig currently holds a .327 average going into this series. A team that doesn’t hit many home runs, limiting extra base hits will be essential to the Owls success on the defensive end.
If FAU can take two of three like they did last time against UAB, it would set them up for a possible sole position in third place in the conference. With the upcoming series with UTSA, winning any conference game the Owls can is critical to pushing for a second place spot in the AAC standings.