April 29, 2005
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Fairfield University baseball team faces Rider University this weekend, in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) series in Lawrenceville, N.J. Fairfield is currently 7-8 in MAAC action this season, and have won three of the last four conference games, while Rider is 6-9 in the MAAC this season.
The defense has been a key component for the Stags this season, as entering this weekend's games, Fairfield looks to extend its streak of 29 and two-thirds innings, without committing an error.
In addition, the Stags were second in the latest MAAC Rankings in fielding percentage with a .962 mark, with games played through April 25. They enter this weekend with a .964 team fielding percentage, after two flawless games against Niagara and Army on Monday and Tuesday.
The middle of the Fairfield has been equally superb, as senior second baseman Mark Geanuleas has a .992 fielding percentage, committing only one error in 123 chances, and junior shortstop Doug Anderson has started all 36 games for the Stags committing only five errors in 181 chances.
In addition to his stellar play in the field, Anderson has done it with the bat as well, he is second on the team with a .333 batting average with one homerun and 18 runs batted in. Over the last seven games, the New Jersey native has hit .609 (14-for-23) with five runs scored and seven runs batted in. He was fifth in the MAAC as of Monday in hits, and has raised his total to 42 on the season.
Also, sophomore Brian Schappert has provided the Stags with some offensive spark in the last three outings. He beat out a bunt base hit in the bottom of the seventh inning with the Stags rallying, on Sunday, helping the Stags to a 6-5 win over Niagara, and then on Monday in the series finale, he was 3-for-5 with a run scored and a run batted in, and capped it off with a 3-for-4 performance on Tuesday at Army.
Another Stag who was ranked high in Monday's MAAC rankings is junior John Scaife who is leading the conference in runs batted in, with 38. He added a pair on Monday, with a base hit down the left field line in the win over Niagara, raising his total to 40 on the season. Freshman Brian Rudolph leads the MAAC with 14 doubles on the season.
Last year against Rider, Fairfield took 2-of-3 at Alumni Diamond against the Broncs. Fairfield won the opener, 11-10 in 11 innings on April 8, 2004. Former Stag, Nick Hudyma laced a two-out single to the right field fence driving in catcher Tom Arpino breaking a 10-10 tie.
Then in the second game of the series, former starter Tom Maisano pitched a complete game four-hit shutout, recording eight strikeouts, as Fairfield won, 2-0.
The Broncs won the final game of the three-game set 7-1, as Joe Moronese pitched a complete game for Rider, scattering one run on nine his and one walk. This season, the Broncs are led by Tom Letizia who is hitting a team-best .322 with one homerun and 20 runs batted in. Scott Knazek is second on the team with a .310 batting average and 19 RBI this year.
On the mound for the Broncs, Moronese is 3-3 with a 5.63 ERA. Mike Dyszel is 2-3 with a 6.12 earned run average, and leads the team with 35 strikeouts.
Before the doubleheader on Saturday, Rider will have a dedication ceremony for its new baseball facility, Sonny Pittaro Baseball Field in honor of Rider's former coach. The ceremony is slated for 11:30 a.m., with first pitch slated for 12 p.m.
Following this weekend's series at Rider, the Stags return home to Alumni Diamond to host Iona College, the weekend of May 7-8. First pitch for both days is slated for 12 p.m.
