Baseball Bears go for .500 record

By: Steven M. Miller Jr.

Posted: 4/6/06

The Bridgewater State College baseball team went 1-3 this week, and saw their overall record drop two 7-10. With play this weekend the Bears look to get back to a .500 record.

They beat UMass Dartmouth 7-0, and lost both games in a doubleheader to Worcester State. They also lost to Rhode Island College. In loosing to Worcester, the Bears have started conference play at 0-2, and are currently in a last place tie with Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

"This game is full of intangibles," said Head Coach Rick Smith. "You just can't foresee bad field conditions and injuries."

The Bears have lost starting catcher Kelly LaDow (thumb), third baseman and leadoff hitter Jay Arraiol (ankle), and right handed starting pitcher Troy Bouchard (shoulder) to injuries.

Senior righthander, Scott Faverau went the distance in a complete game shutout victory for the Bears against UMass Dartmouth. Looking to build on that victory, and even the record at 7-7, the Bears hoped to beat league rival Worcester State. Battling weather conditions, Bridgewater State lost the first game 4-9, and the second game 4-8. The Bears also dropped a 22-4 loss to RIC.

"You just can't prepare for the injuries that we've had," said senior right handed pitcher Josh White. "Its also pretty tough when you also have young kids who haven't played at this level get thrown out there to play baseball."

White has been sidelined since the Florida trip, with a severe ankle strain, but Smith hopes to see him return soon.

"Right now we really have to start to play consistent," said Smith. "Once we start to do this, the record will take care of itself."

Smith also said that he looks for the return of Faverau, currently 1-4, with a 5.93 ERA, in 27.1 innings pitched.

"Scotty just hasn't found his groove yet. But we are going to let him continue to pitch. The kid has the ability and the heart to pitch through his troubles. We have the confidence that he, Whitey, and Martin can get the job done for us, down the stretch."

The baseball team has yet to find a consistent starting lineup for its defense.

"Right now we've just had people out of positions," said Smith. "We will be moving senior Chris Hanlon out to third base, and freshman Brad Koneski to left field. We hope these changes will help our defense play more consistently."

The BSC Bears will be facing 6-7 Southern Maine Thursday, and a doubleheader against Salem State Saturday. Salem State (18-3) is a MASCAC league game that is important for League standings.

"Vince Lombardi once said, 'It's not if you get knocked down, but whether you can get back up,'" said White. "And I think you will see the Bears get back up this weekend."