FAIRFIELD, Conn. – People might have dusted off their short sleeved shirts to walk around on this glorious 70 degree day, but the weather is predicted to quickly shift and drop nearly 30 degrees with a threat of snow on Sunday. With that report, the Fairfield University baseball team has moved their series against Rider up one day and will now begin on Friday at 3pm. The two teams will still conclude Fairfield's MAAC opening series with a doubleheader starting at noon on Saturday.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Stags showed some more late inning magic as they enjoyed their second walk-off in their last four games. Tim Zeng was the newest Stag bombarded by the celebrating teammates as his walk-off single scored Tyler Gambardella for Fairfield's third home win. In all three victories, the Stags have won the game in their last at-bat. Mike Bonaiuto secured the win after three scoreless innings and Michael Conti led the offense with three hits, tying lead-off man Drew Arciuolo for the team lead in that category.
THE CARDIAC KIDS: The Stags have been making their first four home games exciting, as they have won three of those contests in the last at-bat. To put that number into perspective, Fairfield won four games in the last two seasons combined in their last at-bats. The Stags enjoyed a walk-off against Sacred Heart last season after defeating Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, and Canisius in 2014. Those three victories of 2014 were not of the walk-off variety as the Stags won the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.
FAIRFIELD VS RIDER: The Stags and the Broncs have met 68 times before with Rider holding a 44-24 advantage, including three-straight series wins. Fairfield was swept last season against a Bronc team that would end up winning the MAAC regular season championship. Among the returning offensive players, Mac Crispino and Kevin Radziewicz enjoyed the most success against the New Jersey team as they recorded three hits apiece. Only three pitchers threw against Rider last season, with that trio combining for a 10.71 ERA against the Broncs.
THE BRONCS SCOUTING REPORT: The defending MAAC regular season champions are one of the youngest teams in the country as they try and defend that title. All but 10 players on their roster are in either their freshman and sophomore seasons, and two of their juniors are in their first year with the team. James Locklear is the pride of the Broncs after his All-MAAC First Team performance last season. Usually known for their pitching, the Rider ace is Nick Margevicius and the left hander allowed one run over 6.1 against the Stags last season.
UP NEXT: The Stags will close out their longest home stand in six years when they host NYIT on Tuesday at 3pm.
