March 19, 2002

TODAY'S GAME: Stony Brook and Monmouth renew their rivalry in one, nine-inning game this afternoon.

THE SERIES: In their only other meeting, the teams split a doubleheader back in 2000 with the Seawolves taking a 4-3 extra-inning decision in game two in Long Branch, NJ.

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Monmouth is off to a 3-8 start, splitting a two-game set with St. John's last weekend, winning game one, 2-0, but falling in game two, 9-2. Frank Pilitowski is hitting .270 in 11 games to lead the Hawks at the plate. Lance Koenig has one homerun and seven RBI - both tam highs.

PITCHING MATCH-UP: Kevin Willi will take the mound for the Seawolves, sporting a 0.69 ERA and a 2-0 record in two appearances. Monmouth will most likely counter with Frank Pilitowski who has an 0-1 record and a 4.50 ERA.

EENIE-MEENIE MINY MOE: When it comes to Andrew Larsen or Matt Devins, take your pick. If its not Larsen doing damage, its Devins and vice versa. Devins went 2-for-5 with three RBI versus CW Post while Larsen cracked two homeruns in a sweep of George Mason.

LIPSCHUTZ ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Junior outfielder Lee Lipschutz was named the Stony Brook Athlete of the Week for March 18. Lipschutz went 6-for-10 with eight RBI in three games last week. He leads the team in average, hits and RBI.

LEWIS CONTINUES TO SHINE: Jonathan Lewis was excellent again on Saturday for the Seawolves and has been a force thus far in the early going for the Seawolves. In three appearances, he has a 2.75 ERA with 22 strikeouts and eight walks in 19 2/3 innings.

SHORING UP THE MIDDLE: A big question mark at the start of the season was the middle of Stony Brook's infield. All questions appear to be answered with Matt Devins at short and Rich Graham at second. In 35 chances in the field, the pair has just one error between them. As a whole, the Seawolves are fielding at a .960 clip.

SEAWOLVES PICKED SECOND IN AMERICA EAST: Coming off a 35-16 season in 2001, Stony Brook has been picked to finish second in the conference by Baseball America. The Seawolves are picked just behind Maine in the seven-team rankings. Here's how the teams rank with 2001 records: 1). Maine (36-15) 2). Stony Brook (35-16) 3). Vermont (23-22) 4). Northeastern (19-32) 5). Albany (15-32) 6). Hartford (14-35) 7). Binghamton (19-26)

PACK HEADS TO CALIFORNIA: Following today's game, the Seawolves will head to San Francisco, California for eight games in seven days. Beginning Friday, they will play San Francisco, Sacramento State and Pacific.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: How about the Seawolves pitching staff with runners on base? Opponents are hitting just .155 against the staff in those situations....although the Seawolves have left 38 men on base in five games, they have had success advancing runners. The Seawolves have successfully advanced runners better than 38% of the time...