Call it frustration, call it timing, call it whatever you want, but FAU was finally able to find its bats. The Owls pounded out a season-high 20 hits Wednesday night en route to a 15-6 win over Maine at home. Seven Owls had multiple hits, nine guys scored runs, and every batter in the starting lineup reached base safely. After dropping three of their last four games in disappointing fashion, the Owls (12-6) got things going early against the Black Bears. FAU collected ten runs in the first four innings of the game, behind a pair of hits from freshman CJ Chatham. Chatham singled to score two runners in the opening frame, before connecting on his first career home run in the third. The shortstop wasnt the only freshman getting in on the action, as third baseman Cain Spangler made a case for a spot in the starting lineup. The redshirt freshman finished 4-of-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and a double. Spangler, who had two hits the night before, appears to be the Owls answer at the hot corner according to head coach John McCormack. I think were going to have to give [him the spot] now, McCormack said. We have been trying a different combination at third base, and now we came up with this. … Congratulations to him, he did a great job. Brandon Rhodes picked up his second win of the season on the mound, tossing five innings of work. The lefty surrendered six hits and three runs, with none of them coming earned. Tyler Rocklein, who has struggled with strikeouts this season, reached base six times on Wednesday. The left fielder drew two walks and was hit by a pitch. Ricky Santiago (pictured) led the team with 4 RBI. He hit his team leading fourth home run of the season in the seventh inning. Its nice when you can get everybody going, McCormack said. Yes, there was a little sense of urgency after losing two out of three in Texas and then coming home and leaving thirteen guys on base. I think there was a little bit of urgency and the position players wanted to establish themselves in the clubhouse a little bit. FAU will return to the diamond to host Louisiana Tech this weekend for a three-game series. The Bulldogs have lost three of their last four games heading into a Wednesday night meeting with Grambling State.
