With most of the focus around campus falling on the upcoming NCAA Tournament and the basketball team, most people probably don’t even realize that the baseball season has been going on. Always a successful program, this year ‘Nova has high hopes after getting off to a 7-5 start.

In the home opener against Cornell last Friday, ‘Nova rallied back from a 4-0 deficit to win the game 7-5. Mike Loree pitched strong again, allowing only four runs and earning his first win of the season. Closer Ted Aust shut the door in the final two innings to earn his third save of the season.

Offensively the ‘Cats looked strong, with shortstop Ryan Arcadia leading the way with three hits. Jeremy Hunt blasted his second home run to tie the game, while second baseman Derek Shunk scored the winning run. Senior Craig Mirsky continued his hot start by going 2-for-4 and scoring three runs. Mirsky was then named to this week’s Big East Honor Roll for going 7-for-14 over four games.

The ‘Cats went back into action on Saturday for one of the more thrilling games you will ever hear about. Down by 10 runs going into the bottom of the ninth, ‘Nova sent 14 batters to the plate and scored nine runs, falling just short of what would have been a remarkable comeback.

The game looked to be getting out of hand as Central Connecticut led 12-2 after four innings. From there the ‘Cats bullpen would take over, allowing only two more runs for the rest of the game. Josh Eidell was strong in middle relief, pitching 5.1 innings and keeping the game under control.

The game remained quiet until the ninth, when after eight straight batters reached base the ‘Cats got themselves back into the game.

A sacrifice fly by Mike Santoro followed by an RBI single by Craig Mirsky cut the lead to one with two outs, but Ryan Kuhn’s line drive was tracked down to end the game.

Mirsky continued to stay hot, going 4-for-5 with two RBI’s and also scoring twice. Gus Guida went 3-for-4 to aid the effort, and Ryan Arcadia, Kris Malloy and Darren Griffith all had two hits each.

With Sunday’s game against Cornell being cancelled due to inclement weather, the Wildcats will take on the St. Peters Peahens at home in their next contest on Friday. If this offensive explosion continues for the ‘Cats, then this will surely be a fun team to watch in the Big East Conference this season.