Feb. 23, 2012
NORFOLK, VA-- The ODU Baseball Monarchs (2-2) host the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers (0-3) in a three-game series beginning Friday at 3 p.m. at the Bud Metheny BaseballComplex.
Rutgers opened the season at nationally ranked Miami (Fl.), losing three tough games, including a 12 inning affair.Rutgers is coached by Fred Hill who has a 1,030-697-9 record in 35 seasons. He is the 14th winningest active head coach in the nation and the most wins of any current BIG EAST coach.
The Scarlet Knights plan to throw Tyler Gebler (RHP/0-0) on Friday against ODU'sPhil McCarthy (RHP/ 0-0). On Saturday, Rutgers will throw Rob Smorol (LHP/0-1)against Ben Tomchick (RHP/0-0). On Sunday, Rob Corsi (LHP/0-1) will start forthe Scarlet Knights while ODU is TBA.
ODU is led in hitting by Brandon Shelton at .313, followed by Shawn Sizemore at .308and catcher Josh Tutwiler at .300. Pre-season CAA Player of the Year Josh Wrightleads the team in homers with two.
Thus far, Ben Tomchick, Brett Harris, Dean Ali and Greg Tomchick have not alloweda run. The Monarchs have 33 strikeouts in 38 innings of work. Phil McCarthy fannednine batters in his opening day outing in just five innings of work.
Second baseman Nick Favatella leads Rutgers with four RBI, followed by outfielderBrian O'Grady with three.
Last year, Rutgers was 2-0 against ODU. The Scarlet Knights lead the series, 25-15. ODU last won the series in 2010, taking two of three. ODU also swept three gamesfrom the Scarlet Knights in 1999.