March 20, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, LA - About the Pioneers: A challenging non-conference schedule has resulted in a 1-13 start for the Pioneers. After a swing to Texas where the Pioneers lost games to Texas-San Antonio, Houston and Stephen F. Austin, SHU played its first game at home and nipped Fairfield University 3-2. The Pioneers have currently lost four straight games with a tough trip to New Orleans to face Tulane on the horizon.

SHU vs. Tulane: This is the first time that these two schools have met in any sport. The Pioneers did face Houston out of Conference USA back on March 5, losing 9-8.

Sorting Out the Staff: With the loss of three veteran starters from the 2007 squad, the Pioneers are still trying to get their pitching staff in order. Veteran Jared Balbach seems to be the only returning starter that will get a regular turn in the rotation. Junior college transfer Ryan Lynch, as well as freshmen Matt Fitton, Mick Oswald and Jack Wagoner seem to be in line to fill the other starting spots.

Hanson off to Hot Start: Senior first baseman Jeff Hanson seems to be picking up right where he left off at the plate last season. In his first ten games he has hit at a .333 clip with a team-high five doubles, two homers and four runs batted in. His 41 career doubles is fifth best all-time at SHU, with the record of 56 set by Jamie Schilkowski well within reach. His 14 career homers is the seventh highest total in school history.

Lynch Mob: Junior righty Ryan Lynch comes to the Pioneers after a solid career at Cecil Community College in Maryland. After going 6-1 with a 2.20 ERA in his first season with the Seahawks, he went 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA in an injury-plagued sophomore year. He has gotten off to the best start of any Pioneer hurler with a 3.38 ERA in 16 innings of work. He has also spent some time at first base and is hitting .353 in five games in the field.

Northeast Pre-season Poll: The Pioneers were picked to finish seventh in the 2007 Pre-Season Coaches Poll. Defending champion Monmouth was picked to finish first and received six of the eight first-place votes. Quinnipiac was picked second and Central Connecticut was selected third. Mount St. Mary's, which received the other two first-place votes, was picked fourth, while LIU was fifth and Wagner sixth. FDU was picked to finish in eighth place.

On The Air: At least 28 baseball games will be available on the Internet through Sacred Heart University's website, SacredHeartPioneers.com. SHU Assistant Athletic Director, Gene Gumbs, will provide play-by-play. Rick Cohen, Seth Kaplan and others will provide color commentary and analysis.

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