Game Notes

Fairfield returns to action with a pair of non-league games on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Stags host Sacred Heart on April 23 at 3:30 on Alumni Diamond before traveling to Central Connecticut State on April 24 at 3:30pm

On the Web: As always, Live Stats are available for all home games. Central Connecticut will be providing Live Stats for Wednesday's game on CCSUBlueDevils.com.

Fairfield vs. Sacred Heart: Fairfield pounded out 15 hits and downed the Pioneers, 10-5, at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard last season. Jack Giannini and Ryan Plourde each had three-hit afternoons as Giannini was 3-for-5 with two runs scored while Plourde finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Fairfield is 18-12 all-time against the Pioneers. The two teams have split the last four meetings with Sacred Heart's last victory coming on March 24, 2010 at Alumni Diamond.

A Look at the Pioneers (18-17; 14-6 NEC): Sacred Heart has won four of their last five entering Tuesday's contest including three wins over Bryant and a 3-2 win over Yale. Senior shortstop John Murphy is batting .371 with 27 RBI, 16 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases this season. As a staff, the Pioneer pitchers yield a 3.17 ERA this season.

Fairfield vs. CCSU: Wednesday's meeting is the 73rd all-time between the two programs with CCSU holding a 43-28-1 advantage in the series. The Blue Devils have taken nine of the last 10 meetings, including both contests last season. Central edged the Stags, 6-5, in New Britain and then posted a 7-2 win in Fairfield. Fairfield's last victory over CCSU came on April 17, 2011 when they blanked the Blue Devils, 5-0, in New Britain.

A Look at the Blue Devils (17-18; 10-10 NEC): Entering Tuesday's game at Stony Brook, CCSU has split its last six games. Dylan Delacruz is batting .353 with 11 doubles, 22 runs scored and 14 batted in while Tyler Mcintyre is hitting .349 with 11 doubles, 28 RBI, and 19 runs scored. J.P. Sportman is hitting .291 with 11 doubles and 21 RBI.

Streaking Stags: Junior Rob LoPinto and rookie Jake Salpietro are both riding nine-game hitting streaks. LoPinto is batting .353 with eight RBI and five runs scored in that span while Salpietro is hitting .406 with five RBI and four runs scored. LoPinto has reached base in each of the last 12 games as well.

All Good Things Come to an End: Junior Ryan Plourde reached base in the first 30 games of the season and had his impressive streak snapped on April 16 against UConn. The right fielder went 0-for-4 in that game and reached on an error.

It's a Sacrifice: Senior Mike Bennett and sophomore Sal Ciccone have been unselfish at the plate this season, giving themselves up when the situation arises. Bennett leads the team with seven sacrifice bunts while Ciccone has six.

Looking Ahead: The Stags resume MAAC action, April 27-28, when Niagara visits Alumni Diamond for a three-game series. Fairfield then faces two tough non-league opponents next week on the road, stopping at St. John's University on April 30 followed by Stony Brook University on May 1. The Stags will play their final home series of the year, May 4-5, when they host Iona College. Fairfield will honor its senior class prior to the May 5 contest.