GREENVILLE, North Carolina - Marist baseball (4-5) embarks on another road trip for a three-game series at #14 East Carolina University (8-5). The first game takes place Friday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. The Red Foxes and Pirates will play once a day on Friday, Saturday (4 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m).
 

How to Follow

• Twitter - @Marist_BSB
• Live stats and video are provided courtesy of ecupirates.com.

Last time out

• Last series, Marist won the first game vs Delaware State (12-2) but lost the dropped the doubleheader on Sunday which was reduced to a total of 12 combined innings.
• Gene Napolitano kept his hot-streak of hitting going as he went 3-for-7 in the series with 3 RBI.
• Ryan Cardona earned the win in game one, pitching 3.1 innings of relief and scattering two hits while striking out five. He is 2-0 for the season.
• Tony Romanelli has been strong on the mound as a starter, sitting at a 3.45 ERA for the season over 15.2 innings pitched.

CANTONE: LEADOFF ENERGY

Though Nick Cantone has established himself as dual-role player, he's been utilized this season as a spark at the top of the batting lineup.

"Leading off is fun, and it gives me the opportunity to set the tone of the game from the beginning" stated Cantone. "It helps when you have guys like Anthony Lazar and Frankie Gregoire behind you. Our lineup can do so many different things offensively, I'm just happy to be able to be another weapon in it."

In 25 at-bats, the outfielder has collected seven hits, three doubles and 5 RBI for the Red Foxes. He has helped the team get out to early leads in a number of games this season.

"On the other side of the table, we are solid defensively. Coach Pelletier always preaches to let your athleticism take over. Being as active as I can in the outfield helps me cover ground and makes the hard plays look easy. This team is closer than ever, and we expect a lot of success to come out of this season. "

Scouting the Pirates

• #14 East Carolina is out to a 9-5 start after topping #9 Ole Miss on Wednesday evening.
• First baseman and LHP Alec Burlsson is the top hitter for the Pirates, batting over .525 this season with 26 hits on 48 at-bats, 11 RBI and two home runs.
• Jake Agnos looks to start on the mound for East Carolina in game one. He has an ERA of 4.02 over 15.2 innings pitched and has struck out a team-high 24 batters.

Coach's Outlook

"This is a great weekend to compete. East Carolina is a strong program who competes consistently on the national stage" commented Head Coach Chris Tracz. "I am excited to see our guys continue to learn and grow as a team."
 

Up next

Marist baseball continues their road trip to face a VCU team that is 8-3 this year. The series takes place over March 12-13 In Richmond,VA.