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Memphis Tigers Power Past FAU Early To Notch An 11-6 Win In American Conference Play

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Baseball

The University of Memphis (11-23, 4-8 American) baseball team used a dominant third inning to power past Florida Atlantic (17-18, 4-8 American), 11-6, on Sunday afternoon at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

Memphis erupted for seven runs in the third inning and never looked back, securing the series finale behind a balanced offensive effort and strong bullpen work.

Florida Atlantic answered multiple times throughout the game, but the Tigers maintained control after the early surge.

Memphis finished with 11 runs on 14 hits, while Florida Atlantic totaled six runs on 12 hits.
Caden Robinson (1-0) earned the win in relief for Memphis, while Garrett Grant (1-3) took the loss for the Owls.

Memphis will stay at home for a Tuesday matchup with Mississippi Valley State. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • After two scoreless innings, Memphis broke the game open in the third with a seven-run outburst.
  • Catcher Brady McAbee launched a three-run home run to right, and first baseman Tyler Harrington followed with a two-run homer to center as the Tigers seized control.
  • Florida Atlantic responded with three runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by an RBI double and a run-scoring single.
  • Memphis answered immediately in the bottom half, scoring three runs on a sacrifice fly from pinch-hitter Cade Hitson and a two-RBI double by left fielder Jack Little.
  • The Owls added a run in the fifth on a solo home run and cut into the deficit again with two runs in the sixth.
  • Memphis added an insurance run in the eighth on a solo home run from center fielder Michael Gupton to seal the 11-6 victory.

NOTABLES

  • The Tigers scored 10 of their 11 runs with two outs in the inning.
    • Of the 211 runs cored this season, 86 have come with two outs. (40.8%).
  • Michael Gupton, Cade Hitson and Jack Little stole bases for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 81 steals, which ranks in the top 30 nationally and first in the conference.
    • Gupton stole his ninth base of the season, while only being thrown out once.
    • Hitson added his third steal of the year.
    • Little has also not been caught stealing, posting a perfect 6-for-6 record.
  • Center fielder Michael Gupton had an outstanding game for Memphis in all phases.
    • At the plate Gupton went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in the eighth.
    • Gupton leads the team with nine homers, sixth most in the American conference.
    • He also recorded his eighth multi-hit game and second game this season with three or more hits.
    • Gupton also stole a base and made a diving catch in the eighth inning to leave two Florida Atlantic batters stranded.
  • First baseman Tyler Harrington capped off his strong series with another great performance.
    • Harrington went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI while also drawing two walks.
    • His two-run shot in the third inning cleared the center field batter's eye and was his third of the season.
    • Harrington also picked up his 30th hit, ninth multi-hit game and seventh multi-RBI game.
    • In the series, Harrington finished 5-for-9 (.556) with a double, a homer, six RBI and three walks.
  • Catcher Brady McAbee got the party started for the Tigers with a three-run blast in the third.
    • McAbee finished the day 2-for-4 with a homer, three RBI, two runs scored and a walk.
    • His home run was his second of the season and his single in the fourth marked his 15th hit of the year.
  • Designated hitter James Smith IV also went 2-for-4 on the day.
    • Smith collected his 30th hit and seventh multi-hit game while also scoring two runs in the game.
  • Shortstop Javon Hernandez logged his second straight game going 2-for-5.
    • Hernandez was one of five Memphis batters to record at least two hits, the first time the Tigers have done so since March 15 against Eastern Illinois when seven different Tigers got two or more base knocks.
    • Hernandez was also the third Tiger to join the 30-hit club on Sunday, joining Harrington and Smith.
  • Left fielder Jack Little came through with a 2-RBI double in the fourth inning.
    • Hit his fifth double of the season.
    • Recorded his ninth and tenth RBI of the season.
  • Third baseman Freddy Rodriguez also logged two RBI for the Tigers.
    • His two-RBI single in the third inning capped off a seven-run frame for the Tigers.
  • Florida Atlantic threatened late in the game before Brayden Sanders and Carson Fair slammed the door in the eighth and ninth innings.
    • Sanders pitched a scoreless eighth, walking the first two batters before sitting the next three down.
    • Fair came in for the ninth, and retired the first two batters on a ground out and a pop up before striking out the final batter to secure the victory for Memphis.

UP NEXT

Memphis will be back in action on Tuesday, April 14 against Mississippi Valley State. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.