The baseball team (2-9, 0-3 MAAC) was swept in a three game series this weekend against Siena at Alumni Diamond.
Fairfield played well in the first game on Saturday falling 2-1 in extra innings. The Stags got a terrific outing from pitching ace Tom Maisano, ’04. Maisano went nine strong innings, struck out five Siena batters, scattered five hits and only allowed one run. Maisano had excellent control and was able to keep the ball low; forcing many ground ball outs.
“Tom’s our best pitcher and we expect good things from him,” head coach John Slosar said.
The Stags were able to get seven hits, but stranded several base runners.
Besides one inning, Fairfield played extremely well in the second game on Saturday. The Stags appeared to be in control, up 3-1 going into the sixth inning. Pablo Tamayo, ’04, pitched very well, striking out seven Saints, but in the sixth inning, Tamayo and the Stags surrendered four runs. Siena never looked back and eventually won the nightcap 6-4.
“We had the game in control,” Slosar said. “Then, things turned quickly with a couple of plays.”
The Fairfield batters were baffled in the final game on Sunday. The Stags were held scoreless thanks to a tremendous performance by Siena pitcher Ryan Bitter. Bitter hurled a complete game shutout striking out seven. During one stretch, Bitter retired 18 consecutive Fairfield hitters.
“Our offense does need to get better,” Slosar said. “Siena pitched very well and played very good defense.”
Though the sweep is a setback, Slosar encouraged his players by explaining that the problem has been the little things, not major corrections. He hopes that the team will continue to work hard and improve.
“We’re starting over this year with a lot of new players. The focus right now is on the process of getting better each day rather than a year-end goal.” said Slosar.
Fairfield was able to make several excellent defensive plays throughout the series. Shortstop Doug Anderson, ’06, was a defensive standout all weekend making several sensational ranging plays. He also went 1-2 with a walk in the third game.
The Stags look to improve on their mark of 12-15 in the MAAC from last year (20-30 overall). However, The MAAC will be even more difficult. As Slosar explained, “It’s a ten-team league and seven teams will be very tough to beat.”
Fairfield is a very young team with no position players returning except for starting right fielder Antuan Barnett, ’04. Slosar will look to a veteran pitching staff along with Barnett and Outfielder Greg Batista, ’05, to lead the way.
The schedule does not get any easier for Fairfield who will have a rematch against Central Connecticut, whom the Stags lost 7-4 to last Thursday. They will then travel to West Point to face the Army Black Knights.
This weekend Fairfield will look to work back into the MAAC race when they face Niagara, who was ranked one spot behind Fairfield in the preseason coach’s poll.
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