Aug. 22, 2000
Fairfield, Conn. - After a 4-13 overall start and a 1-5 beginning to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) schedule, the Stags turned this into the best season in program history. By winning 24 of the last 33 games, including 16 of 19 in league play, the Stags closed out the 2000 season at 26-20 overall and 17-8 in MAAC play. The 26 wins set a new program record, surpassing the old mark of 23 set by the 1992 team and tied by the 1995 and 1999 squads. Their league mark was also good enough for third place, earning a berth in the MAAC Tournament for the first time since 1997.
After a thrilling 3-1 victory over LeMoyne in the semifinal round of a rain-shortened MAAC Tournament, the Stags fell to Marist, 11-5 in the championship game. While the season came to a close just shy of an NCAA bid, Head Coach John Slosar and the Stags had much to be proud of.
They made the remarkable turnaround by posting solid numbers in every facet of the game. Over the final 27 games of the regular season, Fairfield batted .290, with 37 home runs, and a team ERA of 4.60. One constant all year long was the consistency of the defense, which put up a .964 fielding percentage, the best mark in program history. The Stags also set a team record for home runs in a season, belting 43, which shattered the old record of 35 set by the 1997 team. Another set of numbers to take into consideration was the Stags' record in close games. Fairfield went 14-1 in games decided by two runs or less, including a 9-1 mark in one-run games and came from behind to win 20 games.
Highlighting the offense was Ryan Bittner who led the team in batting average (.371), hits (65), doubles (17), slugging percentage (.554) and on base percentage (.422). The sophomore first baseman also ranked second on the squad with 30 RBI and finished out the year with a program record-tying 18-game hitting streak.
All but one of the Stag regulars contributed at least one round-tripper to the record number of home runs hit this year. Senior right fielder Tom Lopusznick tied his own single season home run record with 10 and senior catcher/designated hitter Paul Macchio was right behind him with nine. Three other Stags also had at least five homers. One of those players, Matt Ciardelli, represented the Stags on the All-MAAC Team at second base. The sophomore batted .288 with six homers, 26 RBI and stole 13 bases in his first season with the Red and White.
Not to be overlooked, the pitching staff kept the Stags in every game, posting a 5.61 ERA with 16 complete games. Dan Krines put together one of the best seasons by a Fairfield pitcher in recent memory, posting an 8-2 record with a 3.39 ERA. He set a new program record as he tossed 103.2 innings, completed nine games and struck out 44 while walking just 14. His eight wins tied another single season program record as he was on his way to All-New England Second Team and All-Northeast Second Team honors.
Following Krines in the rotation was junior righty Steve Colcord and freshman righty Paul Gorra. Colcord dropped his first four decisions of the year, but rebounded to earn five wins in his last seven starts and led the staff with 55 strikeouts and ranked second with a 4.76 ERA. Gorra quickly made a name for himself, posting a 4-2 mark during his rookie campaign. The bullpen was also an integral part of the Stags' success. Senior Dave Catelotti was Fairfield's "go-to-guy" in long relief and as a spot starter, earning five wins in a team-leading 17 appearances. Junior Mike Contorno earned the closer role and thrived in tight situations. The 5-foot-7 righty, who never pitched at the collegiate level before this season, converted three save opportunities and also earned two wins in relief.
"We new the beginning of the season was the toughest part of our schedule and that we had to keep believing in ourselves," said Slosar about the team's success. "We won some games and became a very confident team. These players were clutch, handled pressure real well and love close games."
