The Stags finished up their second Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference series this past weekend facing off against Manhattan College. Fairfield University looked impressive as they secured a second straight MAAC series win; however, they fell to Manhattan by a score of 13-6 on Sunday, April 9.
Senior Kyle Dube took the mound for the Stags but unfortunately, it was not his best day at the office. He lasted just three innings and allowed eight runs on seven hits. He surrendered two three-run home runs in the first three innings, which only shortened his outing. The hurler is not known to give up the home run ball and it was very uncharacteristic of him to see.
“He just made a couple mistakes with guys on base and with some of their better hitters at the plate. Also, with a day like this, it can happen quickly and the wind was blowing straight out” said Bill Currier, head coach for the Fairfield Stags baseball squad.
Even though the Sunday matinee was a high scoring affair, the Fairfield baseball team did not quit until the very end. One key, consistent hitter for the Stags is Kevin Radziewicz ‘18, who had three hits in four at-bats during the game. He is known to be the team’s most steady and reliable hitter.
“I think to stay competitive, no matter what, I just like to lead by example. If the younger guys see the upperclassmen not give up and also still competing, they will follow,” said the junior backstop.
“For my approach at the plate, I just think it’s all about how I think their [opposing] pitcher is going to attack me. The day before, I hit some balls to the center of the field so I figured they would come inside on me and they did,” said Radziewicz.
One bright spot for the Stags was that three of their freshmen got to enter the game and pitch quality innings, despite the run deficit. These freshmen, Josh Arnold, Tristan Amone and Ian Happling, were excited to pitch and be involved in the game.
“I am happy the way they pitched. Amone struggled a little because he couldn’t get his breaking ball over but we used him just for the lefty and they used a pinch hitter instead. I am happy the way all of them performed since they allowed only three runs in the last five innings which was better than the eight runs we gave up in three innings,” said Currier.
Even though the Stags dropped this contest to Manhattan, they still have won five of their last six games so there is no need to worry about this team.
“We feel like if we keep the games within four or five runs, we have a good chance at winning and it’s what we’ve been doing all year,” said the reigning MAAC Coach of the Year.
The Stags are playing well so far this the season as they are projected to win the MAAC again. This loss does not hurt the Stags much since Fairfield is more concerned with series wins than sweeps. The Fairfield squad looks to take New York Tech on Wednesday, April 12 after they face Hofstra on Tuesday, April 11. The Stags’ next conference series is against Saint Peter’s on Friday, April 14 at Alumni Diamond.
Leave a Reply