BACK IN ACTION

Huskies Return to Diamond After Cancellations

By: Matt Flachsenhaar

Posted: 3/22/07

A coach has many decisions to make during a baseball game. He must decide when to place a call to the bullpen, when it would be most effective to call for the hit and run, and in what situation a stolen base would probably lead to a runner crossing the plate. A decision a coach normally does not have to make is if his team should show up to the game or not.

One can imagine the constant alterations to UConn's schedule may have left head coach Jim Penders wondering where his team should be and when. Since last Friday, an entire weekend series with Seton Hall has been cancelled, two games have been postponed, and two entirely new games have been added to the calendar.

In what was going to be an off day, allowing the Huskies (5-9) to rest up for a vital home series against St. John's this weekend, UConn will now be once again hitting the road to take on the New York Institute of Technology. Because of the schedule shuffling, the Huskies are still searching for their first home game of the year.

"The guys are excited to play; it's been a week," said Penders. "They've been cooped up. They're like animals ready to break out of their cages."

Unfortunately for NYIT, Penders will be removing the lock against the Bears and allowing his players to finally perform against some competition.

Weather has derailed most of NYIT's schedule so far this year as well. The games it has been able to play have been unsuccessful for the most part, as the Bears are owners of an 0-7 record on the year. However, the team is not weaponless. Jerry Smith and Kraig Binick are the only legitimate threats the offense posses, but they are both batting over .400.

The two outfielders are the top two leaders on the team in hits, triples, homeruns, runs, RBIs, total bases and slugging percentage. Needless to say, if they can be shut down, the Bears offense does not stand a chance.

Joe Esposito is the pitching threat that the Huskies will have to plan for. He is a solid pitcher, logging the most innings pitched on the Bears so far this season. He is also a two-way threat, and finds himself in the thick of NYIT's lineup at times. Alas, he has recorded zero hits in 18 at-bats this year, neutralizing any offensive spark he may be capable of providing. Still, Penders thinks he should be a player UConn keeps an eye on.

"Esposito is a guy we do not want to beat us," Penders said. "He is a strong two way player."

According to Penders, coaching may be another aspect the Bears are not lacking in.

"They're very well coached; Bob Hirschfield runs a first class program."

Luckily for Husky fans, UConn is not short in the coaching department, either.

As long as their pitching can continue to be a strong point, and the lineup can come around, UConn could have NYIT wishing that this game was cancelled too.

The contest will take place at 4p.m. Thursday, mother nature permitting.