BOCA RATON, Fla. – Indiana State baseball saw its six-game winning streak come to and end on Saturday as No. 20 Florida Atlantic salvaged the series finale, 7-5, at FAU Baseball Stadium. The Sycamores fall to 9-5 on the year while FAU moves to 9-5.
 
The Sycamores were unable to overcome an early five-run deficit as the Owls jumped out to a lead in the first inning, taking advantage of four walks and a pair of home runs in the frame. ISU starter Tristan Weaver was charged with the loss after going two-thirds of an inning, falling to 0-1 on the year. Battling back from preseason injuries, Weaver allowed four walks, and two home runs while facing eight batters.
 
Javin Drake settled in to pitch four and a third innings in relief. The right-hander gave up two runs on seven hits while striking out five. Closer Tyler Grauer made his first appearance of the weekend, pitching the final three innings, striking out two and allowing just one base hit.
 
Indiana State got the offense churning in the fourth after taking advantage of a fielding error before Diego Gines lifted a ball over the wall in left for his first home run of the season to cut into the Owl lead. ISU made it a four-run game in the eighth after Dominic Cusumano led off the inning with a pinch hit walk before coming in to score on a double play.
 
In just his ninth at bat of the season, Aaron Beck homered to right field during a pinch hit at bat to pull ISU two within two runs. The Sycamores looked to continue the rally when Miguel Rivera was hit-by-pitch but was called back to the box by the umpire, striking out two pitches later to end the comeback effort.
 
Matt Sparling picked up the win for the Owls after a six-inning day. The right-hander allowed just three hits and two runs while striking out eight. Three FAU relievers combined tow allow two base hits.
 
Caleb Pendleton led the Owls with a 2-for-4 day and two RBIs. Four total FAU hitters recorded multiple hits.
 
ISU was outhit on the day 11-5 and FAU leadoff men reached base in each of the first four innings.
 
Fuentes led the Sycamores with two RBIs, two runs scored and a homer while Max Wright hit his fourth double of the season in the loss.
 
The Sycamores will travel to Birmingham, Ala. next weekend for a three-game series with UAB.
 
For the latest information on Sycamore Baseball, be sure to visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.