Irish split two, head to Connecticut for triple header
By NOAH AMSTADTER
Sports Writer
Preparing for their second weekend of Big East play, the Irish baseball team played two home games this week, defeating Siena Heights University Thursday after falling to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Thursday's game was a success for the Irish both on the mound and at the plate. Four pitchers combined to allow only five hits.
Freshman Matt Laird started for the first time since losing a tough game against Villanova last weekend.
Laird allowed just one hit in three innings, facing the minimum of nine batters. Junior Mike Carlin followed Laird with three innings before yielding the mound to senior Tom O'Hagan, who pitched for the first time since 1998 after sitting out last season. Senior closer John Corbin pitched the ninth for the Irish.
"It was nice to see Matt Laird go out there and pitch well," said head coach Paul Mainieri. "This is the time of year that begins to test the depth of your pitching staff. Tom O'Hagan's going to get a lot of chances to pitch over the next few weeks."
Nine players combined for 14 hits to lead the Irish offense. Sophomore left fielder Matt Strickroth and senior first baseman Jeff Felker both knocked out two doubles. Freshman right fielder Brian Stavisky extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a leadoff single in the third inning.
"Today was certainly encouraging, but we haven't really been consistent with our offense like we need to be," said Mainieri, "We need to see everybody contributing with a couple of guys having a big day for us."
Thursday's successful victory followed a disappointing loss on Wednesday, as Wisconsin-Milwaukee toppled the Irish 14-3.
UWM senior right hander Chad Sadowski pitched five strong innings and his offense supported him with 20 hits.
Freshman right hander J.P. Gagne started for the Irish, giving up three runs on six hits over four innings, adding five strikeouts. Sophomore Matt Buchmeier followed Gagne, yielding four runs in 2 2/3 innings to take the loss.
"Gagne pitched out of some jams and showed a lot of poise out there," said Mainieri, "Buchmeier has been very consistent during his career for us."
Senior left fielder Matt Nussbaum was the only Irish player to register multiple hits in the game, as he recorded two hits in four at-bats.
"You've got to tip your hat to Wisconsin-Milwaukee," said Mainieri, "The were an NCAA team last year, and actually beat the No. 1 team in the nation in their first game."
This weekend, the Irish head to Storrs, Conn., to take on the Huskies of Connecticut. The teams play a doubleheader on Saturday, followed by a third game on Sunday afternoon.
Junior Aaron Heilman and senior Scott Cavey start for the Irish on Saturday. The two right-handers are a combined 7-1 this season. Gagne will take the mound for the finale on Sunday.
"They have excellent athletes and a very good team," said Mainieri, "If we go out there and do the little things I feel confident that we'll go out there and have a very successful weekend."
All three games will be broadcast on 1480 AM as well as on the Internet at www.und.com.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 31, 2000
