BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Knights picked up their first victory of the 2021 season on Sunday afternoon, topping FAU 15-6.
For the second game in a row, the Knights bats came alive for 15 runs. The 30 runs scored by UCF is the most in two consecutive games since 2015, when the Knights plated 16 against Fairfield at home, and scored 18 in their next contest at Bethune-Cookman.
Three separate Knights went deep. Jordan Rathbone got the scoring started with his homer to left in the top of the fourth inning. Nick Romano later went yard in the sixth inning to cut the deficit to 3-2. In the ninth inning, Ben McCabe gave the Knights some insurance runs with his home run to left field which extended the UCF lead to 9-6.
Tom Josten joined the fun, tacking on two RBI's himself. Matt Archer also had two RBI's. The walks were key for the Knights, as they were able to draw six of them.
Starting pitcher AJ Jones struck out seven in his four innings of work. After Jones, David Litchfield came in and was lights out. He went 2.1 innings and struck out five, giving up one run. Jack Sinclair came in during the seventh inning and closed the door on FAU to seal the win for the Knights.
UCF (1-2) – 15, FAU (2-1) – 6
Winning Pitcher: David Litchfield (2.1 IP, 4 H, 5 K, 1 ER)
Losing Pitcher: TJ Stuart (0.0 IP, 0 H, 0 K, 2 ER)
Top Hitters: Jordan Rathbone (2-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB), Ben McCabe (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB), Nick Romano (1-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB), Matt Archer (1-4, 2 RBI)
Top Pitcher: David Litchfield (2.1 IP, 4 H, 5 K, 1 ER)
Notes
- AJ Jones started strong, striking out 5 batters in the first three innings and allowing only two men to reach base safely.
- Rathbone began the scoring for the Knights with a homer to left field in the 4th inning.
- Nick Romano got the rally going for UCF in the 6th inning with a solo shot to left field, igniting a six-run inning to take a 7-3 lead against the Owls.
- David Litchfield pitched 2.1 innings and struck out 5 batters in relief.
- True freshman Alex Freeman scored three times and went 2-4 with two singles to bring his batting average to .545.
- Jordan Rathbone capped off a 7-run ninth inning for UCF, with a 3-run double.
- The Knights still lead the all-time series vs. Florida Atlantic by a game, 39-37.
ON DECK
The Knights will return home to welcome another Florida foe, Stetson to John Euliano Park for the first mid-week contest of the spring. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
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