Baseball Opens GNAC Slate at Albertus Magnus, Lasell

APRIL 7 | 6:00 PM | 8:30 PM  HAMPDEN HIGH SCHOOL  HAMDEN, CONN.
Series Record - Suffolk Leads, 35-8 Last Meeting - April 13, 2017, W, 4-3 Last Suffolk Win - Same Streak - W3 Eyes on the Game

APRIL 8 | 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM EAST BOSTON MEMORIAL PARK EAST BOSTON, MASS. GAME 1: LIVE STATS GAME 2 LIVE STATS
Series Record - Suffolk Leads, 22-1 Last Meeting - May 4, 2017, W, 15-8 Last Suffolk Win - Same Streak - W6 Eyes on the Game

BOSTON – The three-time defending GNAC Champion Suffolk baseball begins its title defense this weekend as it lifts the lid on its conference calendar at Albertus Magnus and Lasell. The Rams will first make the trip to the Falcons Saturday, April 7, before visiting the Lasers Sunday, April 8.

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LAST TIME OUT
The Suffolk baseball team snapped a five-game skid Thursday night as the Rams defeated Nichols, 7-2, at Trinity's DIBenedetto Stadium. 

MORE READING:  Baseball Bests Nichols, 7-2

RAMS RUNDOWN
Suffolk (5-13) returned to the win column at just the right time to take winning momentum into conference contests.  

Seniors Brady Chant and Seth Coiley continue to power the offense for the Rams. Chant has team-high numbers in hits (26), RBI (9), runs scored (12) and battering average (.377). Coiley, meanwhile, owns 22 hits, four RBI and 10 runs scored behind a .367 average.  

On the hill, Charles Batchelder is the most experienced pitcher with 32.0 innings under his belt. The junior RHP boasts the best ERA, 2.25, with 17 strikeouts. Senior Mark Fusco falls in a close second with a 2.49 ERA in 21.2 frames of action with a team-best 18 Ks. Junior southpaw Kevin Sinatra (24.0 IP, 3.75 ERA, 10 Ks) and senior RHP Ryan Pordes (21.2 IP, 12 Ks) are also in the starting rotation for Suffolk. 

FALCONS FACTS
Albertus Magnus has dropped its last four outings to slip to 4-10 on the season. The Falcons will meet the Rams in their league opener.  

Matt Warren holds the most potent bat for the Falcons with the sophomore recording 18 hits on a .400 average to bring in 19 runs and score nine himself. Brandon Clark's 14 hits are good for second on the squad with the sophomore catcher hitting at a .389 clip, while drawing 18 walks to boast a .600 on-base percentage. Overall, Clark has brought in seven runs and scoed 13 himself.  

Dan Zarnik is statistically the best starting arm for Albertus as the senior brings in a 3.63 ERA to go along with 21 strikeouts through 22.1 innings in four starters and five appearances. 

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk had rattled off three wins in a row versus Albertus Magnus to improve to 35-8 all-time versus the Falcons.  

EYES ON THE GAME

LASERS LOOK
Lasell picked up its first win of the season, a 9-8 decision over Newbury, Thursday night to move to 1-9 on the year. Prior to battling the Rams Sunday, the Lasers will meet Rivier Saturday.  

David Marsell is the lone Laser with double digit hits on through 10 games as the junior has 13 to his credit on a .406 average for a pair of RBI and five runs scored. Bret Sherron, who its hitting .292, has seven hits with three RBI and four runs scored, while Rob Cutone (.353, 4 RBI, 2 R) and Sean Doris (.261, 4 RBI, 2 R) each have contributed six hits.  

When it comes to pitching Zach Handzel and Dan Petr hold the most experience. Handzel has three starters, four appearances for 18.2 frames with a staff-best 4.82 ERA to go along with eight punch outs. Petr, meanwhile, has worked 16.0 innings in four starters and sat down 16 batters, but holds a 9.56 ERA. 

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk has rattled off six straight victories over Lasell. Overall, the Rams hold a commanding 22-1 all-time series lead versus the Lasers. 

EYES ON THE GAME

ON DECK
Suffolk steps away from league play Wednesday, April 11 for a midweek match at Wheaton.