In there pitching

Owls baseball team still hunting for NCAA tournament bid.

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic baseball coach John McCormack is only focused on what his team can control.

If the Owls can sweep the final regularseason series against Western Kentucky, which begins today at FAU, there is a strong chance of them receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. It would also make their appearance in the Conference USA Tournament less stressful with a spot already secured.

“I’ve kind of laid it out for them and they know what’s at stake here,” McCormack said. “We’re going to play it game by game, but they’re aware of the ramifications of this series.”

The Owls (34-15-1) have a small chance of adding even more success to the season. They could win the regular-season conference title if they sweep Western Kentucky and first-place Southern Miss loses its final three games against Marshall.

While the honor would be appreciated, the Owls are more concerned about postseason possibilities after missing the NCAAs last year.

“It would mean everything,” senior rightfielder David Miranda said. “Going to Omaha, that’s our first goal, but to be able to get there you first have to make the tournament … I feel confident. We just need to do what we have to do against Western Kentucky.”

Miranda has been one of the stars this season. On Monday, he was named Conference USA Hitter of the Week for a second time. He is batting a team-high .321 with

“We’re going to play it game by game, but they’re aware of the ramifications of this series.” John McCormack, FAU baseball coach

eight home runs and 36 RBIs.

“The biggest thing is just being a leader,” Miranda said. “Last year, I didn’t know what my role was going to be. This year, coming back as a senior, I wanted not only to produce offensively but also as a leader.”

Miranda will be among eight seniors honored before Saturday’s game. The class includes pitchers Jake Miednik, Drew Peden, Mark Stewart, Weston Clemente, Matt Harris and Mark Nowatnick and catcher Kevin Abraham.

McCormack called it one of the best groups he’s had in his 10-year tenure as head coach.

“It takes on a different meaning as the season goes on,” McCormack said. “I talked to them often about cherishing the year because it might be their last opportunity to play baseball. It’s one of those things that I try to explain it to them but it’s really hard to grasp … It’s never easy when it comes to an end.”

The Owls should receive a test from Western Kentucky because of the circumstances. The Hilltoppers (21-29) are still in contention for the eighth and final spot in the conference tournament.

“They’ve had a rough go in the last four or five years, so I would think they’re going to be motivated,” McCormack said. “They’re also going to need some help but I’m sure they know what’s at stake, too.”

If the Owls sweep, McCormack feels they would earn an NCAA bid because of their body of work.

“I would think so,” McCormack said. “Our RPI is 28. We’ve won 34 games and we’re going to finish in the top three in a good baseball league. I don’t see how we would get left out but you never know. … I’m not in the [selection-committee] room.”

McCormack