Feb. 26, 2006
HARRISONBURG, Va. - Kellen Kulbacki hit two homeruns and knocked in four, to lead James Madison University to a 15-4 win over the Fairfield University baseball team on a cold Sunday afternoon at Long Field at Mauck Stadium. Sophomore Peter Allen (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Mamaroneck) led Fairfield going 3-for-5 with a run scored.
With the win, James Madison improves to 3-4 on the season, while Fairfield falls to 0-3. This was the first time in the history of the program that the Stags have opened the season in the month of February.
James Madison scored eight runs on seven hits in the bottom of the first inning, and was able to maintain the lead the rest of the way.
Birrittella put the Stags on the board in the top of the second inning as he ripped a double to right field, plating senior Tom Arpino (Brooklyn, N.Y./Xaverian) who reached base on a fielder's choice, and senior Dewey Raymond (Norwalk, Conn./Trinity Catholic) who drew a two-out walk.
In the ninth, the Stags put two runs on the board as senior Jim Girolamo (Wayland, Mass./Wayland) walked and would later come around to score when sophomore Philip Espinosa (Commack, N.Y./St. Anthony's) reached on a fielding error by the James Madison third baseman. Allen stroked a single to right field, plating sophomore Albie DeSimone (Pelham, N.Y./Pelham Memorial) who singled through the left side of the JMU infield.
Junior Brian Schappert (Wyckoff, N.J./Saint Joseph's University) extended his hot start to the 2006 season, going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks. Schappert has hit safely in all three games of the James Madison series. Senior Doug Anderson (Randolph, N.J./Delbarton) also has a hit in all three games so far this season, went 1-for-4.
Ryan Reid picked up the win for JMU, as he gave up one run on three hits, and striking out eight batters. Freshman Doug Ciallella took the loss for the Stags.
Fairfield returns to action, the weekend of March 3-5 with a three-game series at Fordham University.
