FORT MYERS, Fla. – Fresh off upending North Florida in a weekend series, FGCU looks to keep its momentum going on Tuesday night as the Eagles host Florida Atlantic. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Swanson Stadium.
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Florida Gulf Coast (26-16) tries to defend its home turf as FAU (21-22) heads across Alligator Alley, attempting to rebound from two prior losses to FGCU earlier this season, both of which came in Boca Raton. Both were high-scoring affairs with Eagles wins of
12-4 on March 17 and
8-6 on April 14.
The visiting Owls are coming off a weekend series win at home against Charlotte, but missed out on a sweep of the 49ers after dropping Sunday's contest, 5-4.
Over the past weekend, FGCU took two of three from UNF and the Eagles were aided by the Ospreys committing six errors over the three-game series. FGCU will likely not be able to rely on such help Tuesday night as the Owls rank 50
th nationally in fielding percentage (.976), a mark that is second in the American Conference.
If history is any indication, the contest could feature an offensive showcase. The Green & Blue ranks in the top 20 nationally in hits (469) and batting average (.314), leading the Atlantic Sun Conference in both categories. Additionally, there has been an average of 12 runs scored in the past five meetings between the two teams.
On the flip side, the Eagles' pitching staff is mowing down opponents at a record rate. Currently averaging 10.54 strikeouts per nine innings, that mark ranks 17
th nationally and would set a new school record if the season ended today. It is well above the existing program record of 9.16 strikeouts per nine innings recorded in 2007.
FGCU is working towards its first season sweep of FAU since 2014, but the job won't be done Tuesday. The two teams will meet one final time this year on May 12, with a 6:30 p.m. start time at Swanson Stadium.
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