NCAA GAINESVILLE REGIONAL   

FLORIDA ATLANTIC 7, GATORS 4

WHAT HAPPENED: The Owls forced a winner-take-all Gainesville Region final with a five-run outburst in the third inning. David Miranda and Joe Montes delivered two-RBI singles in the inning as FAU took advantage of an error on right fielder Wil Dalton and some shaky Gators defense to take control. The Gators trimmed the lead to 5-2 on Blake Reese's two-run homer in the top of the fourth, but FAU responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning off UF starter Jackson Kowar.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Following back-to-back singles to start the inning, FAU's Cody Wilson lifted a fly ball into right field that Dalton was in position to make a routine catch. However, Dalton stumbled and the ball bounced off his glove to load the bases with nobody out. Dalton's error set the tone for what was to come as the Owls (43-18-1) went ahead and never trailed in defeating the No. 1 overall seed Gators (44-18) 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: FAU closer Zach Schneider had not started a game all season. He got the nod Monday and pitched five solid innings, limiting the Gators to six hits and three runs in five innings Schneider threw 100 pitches -- 57 for strikes -- struck out five and walked one. Schneider improved to 7-1 with 15 saves on the season.



STANDOUT STAT: 11 -- The Owls touched Kowar for 11 hits in six innings, the first time in 16 starts this season the Gators junior right-hander has allowed more than nine hits in a game. 

UP NEXT: With the loss, the Gators must play FAU again for the Gainesville Region title. First pitch is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. at McKethan Stadium. Game 2 will be broadcast on ESPN2 and air on ESPN Gainesville 98.1FM / 850AM.