Heilman, Cavey lead Irish in Big East season opener
By NOAH AMSTADTER
Sports Writer
Following a dominating 10-3 victory over Detroit Wednesday, the Irish baseball team begins this season's Big East play as they travel to Philadelphia to take on Villanova.
Notre Dame, whose impressive 13-3 record has earned the team a No. 24 ranking by Collegiate Baseball, is coming off of its best start since the 1963 team opened the season 15-3. They will attempt to surpass that record in three games against a Villanova team that finished last season 27-26-1 and tied for seventh place in the Big East.
The Irish lead the all-time series against their conference opponent; winning eight of the 10 contests between the clubs. Last season, the Irish swept a doubleheader over the Wildcats, winning 4-0 in the first game and 10-8 in the second.
Head coach Paul Mainieri feels strong heading into the opening games of conference play.
"Our pitching has been strong all season," he said. "And during our last few games the offense has really began to perform. I couldn't be happier with our team right now."
The Irish will send their top three pitchers out against the Wildcats. For Saturday's doubleheader, junior co-captain Aaron Heilman and senior Scott Cavey take the mound for Notre Dame. Freshman right-hander Matt Laird throws the finale on Sunday afternoon. Heilman has yet to yield a run in 10.2 career innings against the Wildcats. He has silenced the Villanova bats to the tune of 13 strikeouts and no walks while collecting one win and one save.
Cavey, a senior leader finishing off a stellar career, has dominated in winning all three of his starts this season. The right-hander was forced to miss his last scheduled start in Florida after being hit by a line drive. He is, however, expected to return at full-strength on Saturday.
Laird has filled a gaping void in the Irish rotation this season. Recording a 1-0 record to go along with a 1.98 ERA, Laird has solidified the rotation behind studs Heilman and Cavey.
The offense has been powered by freshman Brian Stavisky, whose four home runs and .638 slugging percentage lead the team.
"I'm feeling really comfortable at the plate right now," Stavisky said, "The coaches have really been helping me a lot."
Sophomore center fielder Steve Stanley has been productive while batting in the second spot for the Irish. He leads the team with seven steals in eleven attempts to go along with his .407 batting average.
Villanova is led by junior second baseman Matt Longo, who was named a first team all-Big East selection last season and is rated by Baseball America as the 105th best prospect among draft-eligible college players. First baseman Rob Cafiero's .361 season and 10 home runs last season earned him a spot on the Big East all-rookie team.
Play begins at 12 noon on both Saturday and Sunday.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 24, 2000
