FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The longest home stand since 2008 continues for the Fairfield University baseball team when CAA foe Hofstra comes to town for the last tune-up before MAAC action for the Stags. Fairfield and Hostra have not met at home since 2002, and the Stags hold a 10-9 overall record against the Pride. The action begins in a scheduled sunny, 60 degrees day on Alumni Diamond on Wednesday at 3pm.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Although the Stags split their home doubleheader against Harvard on Saturday, Fairfield is carrying as much momentum as possible. The Stags fell behind 6-0 going into the bottom of the eighth inning, but scored eight runs in that frame to take an eventual 8-6 victory. Drew Arciuolo started the rally with a bunt single, where seven-straight runners reached base before the first out of the inning was made. Mac Crispino had the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run single, which tied the game. Pinch runner Tyler Gambardella raced home with the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice by Jack Gethings. The six-run comeback was the largest for the Stags since May 18, 2007 when Fairfield won a game against Rider when they were trailing 9-2 in the seventh inning.
FAIRFIELD VS HOFSTRA: The two teams will meet for an even 20th time on Wednesday afternoon, with Fairfield barely controlling the season series with a brief 10-9 advantage. The Stags took the winning record in the series with a 6-0 decision last season, with three pitchers combining for the five-hit shutout. Kyle Dube started the gem and struck out six in his six innings. Gavin Wallace and Tim Duggan finished the game by allowing one hit in a combined three innings. In the batter's box, Dan Hopkins had the big hit for the Stags with a bases clearing double, which capped a game deciding four run sixth inning.
THE PRIDE SCOUTING REPORT: The Hempstead, N.Y., team is off to a slow beginning to 2016 as they have posted a 6-18 record after their extra inning win against NYIT on Tuesday. Ryan Karl is the team's leader in batting average, the only regular starter to hit over .300, coming in with that same number. Power has not been a problem for the Pride who have hit 15 homers this season, with first-year players Nick Botari and Teddy Cillis knocking a team-high four long balls each.
The Pride will send lefthander Teddy Cillis to the hill as he makes his second career start. His first start came one week ago against fellow MAAC opponent Monmouth and he gave up one run in three innings of work. He will bring a 3.86 ERA into the contest after transferring from UNC Wilmington where he made the majority of his appearances as an outfielder, stepping to the mound just six times in his one season with the Seahawks.
UP NEXT: The Stags will open up MAAC play when they welcome the Rider Broncs for a three-game series starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at noon.
