University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Opens Conference Play With Three At USF This Weekend
3/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 20, 2014
Game Notes (PDF) | Live Stats | Audio (WHUS, 91.7 FM) | Video
Let the Good Times Roll... Following three extra-innings losses to Florida during the second weekend of March, the Huskies have charged out to a six-game winning streak, dating back to a 5-0 victory over Sacred Heart on March 11. During the stretch, UConn has out-scored its opponents, 54-13, and has held its opposition to one run or less in four different games. Sophomore 1B Bobby Melley is hitting .565 during the winning streak, with three extra-base hits and five RBI. Five of the nine UConn starters boast OBPs over .400 and Connecticut has successfully swiped 11 of its last 14 steal attempts.
About the Huskies... UConn is off to a 10-8 start in the 2014 season, including a 7-3 record in neutral site games. Six of UConn's nine starters hold batting averages that top .290, led by junior Blake Davey, who checks in at .339. The UConn starting rotation of upperclassmen Jordan Tabakman, Anthony Marzi and Brian Ward have helped propel the Husky staff to a 2.46 overall ERA. UConn's 33-man roster boasts just 10 total upperclassman; a list that also features just three seniors. The Huskies are competing in their first season of the American Athletic Conference after winning their final BIG EAST Tournament title in 2013.
Scouting USF... In its first conference series of the season, UConn will face a Bulls team that has jumped out to a 13-7 overall record this season, but has dropped three of its last five games. Offensively, USF is led by sophomore OF Luke Maglich, who has notched a .342 batting average and clubbed a team-high two home runs in his first 76 at-bats. On the mound, sophomore RHP Jeremy Herget has made five starts and holds a 1.48 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 30.1 innings. As a staff, USF holds a 2.65 ERA and is holding opponents to just a .238 batting average.
All-time vs. the Bulls... The Huskies and Bulls have met 43 times on the diamond since the 1968 season, with USF holding a 25-18 all-time series margin. Last season, USF swept the regular season series on the road but fell to the Huskies, 8-7, in the winners' bracket in the BIG EAST Tournament in May. The Huskies trailed 7-0 and battled back, eventually winning on a walk-off wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth.
Following the weekend series, UConn prepares for its home opener on Tuesday, March 25. The Huskies will welcome the Hawks of Hartford to J.O. Christian Field for a 3 p.m. start.
