Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls at Miami (FL) Hurricanes

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Miami Hurricanes host the Florida Atlantic Owls in a nonconference matchup Tuesday night at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park.

The Hurricanes (18-6) enter on a high note, having swept a three-game series from Creighton over the weekend, capped by a 15-5 rout Sunday. Miami has won seven of its last eight games.

Florida Atlantic (14-10) looks to rebound after dropping two of three at home to Texas-San Antonio, including an 18-8 loss on Sunday.

A key player to watch for Miami is right fielder Derek Williams, who is swinging a hot bat. He went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in Sunday’s win and has driven in 10 runs over his last five games.

The Owls will rely on two-way player Patrick Ward, who was a bright spot in Sunday’s loss, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs. Ward also contributes on the mound, having thrown two scoreless innings of relief in a game last week.

The teams met earlier this season on Feb. 25, with Miami winning 11-7 in Boca Raton.

Tuesday’s forecast calls for clear skies and a first-pitch temperature of 77 degrees.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Miami 7, Florida Atlantic 6.

Following this game, Miami opens a crucial Atlantic Coast Conference series at Clemson on Thursday. Florida Atlantic begins Conference USA play with a series at Rice starting Friday.

Projected Starters (Unofficial): FAU’s Patrick Ward (0-0, 4.50 ERA in limited action) could see time on the mound. Miami’s starter is to be announced.

Series Note: This is the second of two scheduled meetings this season between the in-state programs.