Philadelphia, PA – The Florida Atlantic Owls erupted for a 14-6 win over the Canisius Golden Griffins in the loser's bracket matchup of the Chapel Hill Regional.
Nathan Pittman was a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, four RBI and five runs scored and Corey Keller went 2-for-5 with a pair of home runs and four RBI for Florida Atlantic (40-21). Austin Gomber was serviceable over 7 2/3 innings as he allowed just three earned runs to get the win.
Devon Stewart was tagged for seven runs on four hits and four walks in just two innings of work to take the loss for Canisius (42-17) which had its season come to a close.
In the nightcap of the regional the North Carolina Tar Heels scored three runs in the final two innings to hold on for an 8-5 win over the Towson Tigers.
Michael Russell went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI while Cody Stubbs went 2-for-4 with a home run for the host Tar Heels (54-8) who will await the winner of the elimination game between Florida Atlantic and Towson Sunday afternoon in the regional final later.
Brandon Gonnella allowed seven runs on 11 hits over 7 2/3 innings of work to take the loss for Towson (30-29). The Tigers topped Florida Atlantic, 7-2, on Friday but will need another win on Sunday to avoid elimination.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.