March 26, 2009
NORFOLK, VA-- Old Dominion opens CAA road play this weekend at Delaware in a three-game series. First pitch Friday is 3 p.m. at the Bob Hannah Stadium in Newark, Delaware. The teams will also play on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. This series will mark the first time the Monarchs have been away from home on the weekend in more than a month.
The Blue Hens (13-7, 2-1) took two of three in their CAA opening series at Towson last weekend. They also defeated Saint Joseph's 16-4 in a midweek action. Delaware is 8-2 in home contests this season.
The Blue Hens lead the CAA with a team batting average of .334. Senior Bill Merkler has paced the Blue Hens this season, batting .349 with 7 HR and 30 RBI. Leadoff man Carlos Alonso is batting .434 with 18 RBI and is 5-for-6 in stolen bases. Sophomore Michael Londino (0-0, 3.45 ERA) has 14 strikeouts in 8 appearances so far this season. Pitching for the Blue Hens on Friday will be RHP Brian Rorick (1-0, 6.46 ERA), RHP Brad Miller (3-1, 5.06 ERA) on Saturday and RHP Rich O'Donald (1-2, 6.00 ERA) on Sunday.
The Monarchs (6-13, 1-2) won their CAA opening game 6-3 against George Mason at home last Friday behind a complete game effort from freshman Brett Harris. The Patriots managed to take the weekend series in a couple of close contests Saturday and Sunday, winning 4-2 and 7-4.
Freshman RHP Brett Harris (3-1, 3.00 ERA) will throw for ODU on Friday, while redshirt senior Brady Burchill (0-2, 4.05 ERA) will start on Saturday. Sunday's starter will be freshman RHP Ben Tomchick (1-2, 2.87 ERA).
ODU leads the CAA in fewest number of errors (23) and team fielding percentage (.971). Jake McAloose leads the team with a .380 batting average along with 2 HR and 11 RBI. Donnie Corsner has knocked in 17 RBI with 3 HR and a .350 batting average. Freshman Ben Tomchick (1-2) has a 2.87 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 31-plus innings of work for the Monarchs.
Delaware leads the all-time series 9-7. Last season, the Monarchs swept the Blue Hens in Norfolk.