The game was 12 innings long with 5 batters per half inning regardless of the number of outs. FAU changed pitchers every inning after the starter went two. We used McMahon, Veliz, Cecconi, and Gates for three innings each. The first five innings (with mostly returning players) were an offensive struggle. That group finally broke through in the 6th. The newcomers took over for the final 6 innings, and had a lot of success at the plate. Whether that was talent, getting deeper into the FAU bullpen, or some combo is hard to say.
Some interesting notes:
-The starters were Zamora (SS), Escala, (2B), Del Castillo (DH), Toral (1B), Amditis (C), Jenkins (CF), Cloonan (LF), Crosbie (RF), Paige (3B), and Gates (other DH).
-3 of FAU’s 4 runs were scored with three or more outs including a two run homer on McMahon’s final pitch. Jenkins had lost the fly ball from the prior batter in the sun.
-Cecconi and Gates were as advertised. I haven’t seen a Canes’ freshman pitcher with better raw talent than Cecconi in a long time.
-Gabe Rivera and Michael Montes had the two Canes HRs.
-Del Castillo, Montes, and Conley were the standout freshman position players.
-Del Castillo played catcher, first base, and DH.
-McKendry, Maury, and Gil are out for the fall but expected to be ready by opening day.