April 15, 2011

Fordham Baseball Game Notes | WFUV Audio | Watch

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham baseball team looks to continue its winning ways this weekend, as the Rams host the George Washington Colonials in a crucial Atlantic 10 series for both teams. Each squad sits at 3-3 in conference play, which is tied for sixth place in the league, and both are coming off non-league wins in their last game.

The Colonials had a walk-off win against Canisius on Sunday, while Fordham topped LIU 3-2 on Wednesday. George Washington holds a 15-8 all-time series edge over Fordham, which dates back to 1952.

PROBABLE STARTERS:
Friday - RHP Brian Pendergast (1-5) vs. LHP - Bobby Lucas (1-5) |
Saturday - RHP Chris Pike (4-1) vs. LHP - Brian Derner (2-3) |
Sunday - RHP Max Krakowiak (3-4) vs. RHP Tom Gately (3-4) |

SCOUTING GEORGE WASHINGTON: The Colonials are 10-23 this season with a 3-3 mark in Atlantic 10 play. Entering this weekend, the team is batting .256 as a group, led by All-Atlantic 10 player Brendon Kelliher, who is batting .364 with 23 runs scored, 10 doubles, six home runs and 21 RBI. Stephen Oswald is also having a strong season for the Colonials, hitting .343 with six doubles, three home runs, and 20 RBI.

On the mound, the Colonials boast a 5.91 ERA, while holding opponents to a .285 batting average. They will throw the rotation of LHP Bobby Lucas on Friay, LHP Brian Derner on Saturday, and RHP Tom Gately on Sunday. Lucas is 1-5 with a 4.85 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 39.0 innings. He is also holding opponents to a .214 batting average. Derner is 2-3 with a 5.20 ERA in eight starts, while Gately is the lone righty in the rotation with a 3-4 record and a 4.47 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 48.1 innings pitched.

WE'RE GOIN' STREAKIN': Chris Walker has caught fire as of late with a 13-game hitting streak entering this weekend. Over that streak, he is hitting .393 (22-56) with nine runs scored, six doubles, and eight RBI... Ryan Maghini has a career-long seven-game hitting streak, going into this weekend. He is hitting .370 in that stretch (10-27) with five runs scored and six RBI... Tim Swatek is batting .368 over his last six games (7-19) with five runs scored and four RBI... On the hill, Chris Pike has three saves and a 4-1 record in 10 appearances to go with a 2.49 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and .223 opponent batting average... Rich Anastasi is 4-0 in 12 appearances, posting a 2.00 ERA and 21 strikeouts... Tim Swatek has 18 strikeouts, three saves, and a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 innings of work to open the year... Jonathan Reich has still yet to allow an earned run in 17.2 innings of relief.

UPCOMING GAMES: Following this weekend, the Rams conclude their eight-game homestand with a home game against Iona on April 19th at 7:00 PM. The Rams then hit the road for a three-game Atlantic 10 series at Charlotte (Apr. 22-24), before returning home for a 4:00 PM against Columbia on April 27th.