Hofstra
John Rooney Selected in Third Round by Los Angeles Dodgers
The dream season for Hofstra LHP John Rooney continues. The 6’5″ southpaw was selected in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round (104th overall). The last Hofstra player selected in the draft was Bryan Verbitsky in 2013 by the San Diego Padres–also in the third round. Rooney was a critical piece for the Pride this season as they qualified for the CAA postseason for the first time since 2012. He was named CAA Pitcher of the Year. He lights-out from day one; compiling a record of 8-2, with an ERA of 1.23 with 108 strikeouts over 95.0 IP. He held opposing batters to a .166 AVG and combined on a no-hitter with Seamus Brazill against Mount St. Mary’s on March 10. He also set a program record with 12 pick offs. Tremendous outing by John Rooney to...
Hofstra’s Offense Explodes in 14-3 Win over NYIT
Sometimes you just need some good home cookin’. That was the remedy for the Hofstra Pride, who ended a four-game losing streak with a 15-hit attack in a 14-3 win over NYIT. David Leiderman led the way with four hits in five at bats and Tom Archer drove in four runs and Vinnie Costello added three RBI as well. “It was really nice to get some quality at bats against a very good pitcher in (Elias) Martinez,” said Head Coach John Russo. “Happy to see Archer, Leiderman and (Vito) Friscia have good days,” he added. Friscia got the scoring started with an opposite field HR to right field to put the Pride up 1-0. It displayed how strong the sophomore catcher is that he barely squared the ball up and it still went soaring over the fence to the opposite field. The Bears...
Hofstra Falls to No. 2 LSU 8-1
The Pride’s bats were asleep for most of the night in Louisiana, against one of the top teams in the country, Hofstra mustered just one run on four hits verse LSU. The second-ranked Tigers were able to shut the Pride out for the eight innings, until they pushed a run across on a throwing error in the top of the ninth. LSU went up 2-0 in the first, but three one-hit innings from Gjon Ljucovic, James Beasley, and Ryan Kieran slowed the Tigers, neither Beasley nor Kieran allowed a baserunner against one of the nation’s top offenses. On offense, left fielder Teddy Cillis reached base three times, on a two-for-four day with one walk. Hofstra stayed within striking distance for much of tonight’s game, but failed to upset a great team. While the Pride are currently winless at 0-...
Hofstra Looking to Turn the Corner
Last Season’s Record: 15-37 Key Additions: Mikey Riesner (SS), Jack Berczi (LHP), Jorge Marrero (RHP), Sean Rausch (C/OF) Key Subtractions: Brendan Mulligan (LHP), Bowie Matteson (RHP), Alex Eisenberg (RHP), Chris Bonk (RHP), Ryan Karl (INF/OF) After a tough season where they finished in last place in the Colonial Athletic Association, Hofstra looks to improve on their 2016 season. A preseason poll has tabbed the Pride to finish in the basement of the CAA this year, but it hasn’t done much to dampen the optimism surrounding this year’s team. Strengths: Head coach John Russo is kicking off his sixth season at the helm, and this year he is particularly excited about the amount of depth he sees on his roster. He said, “We’ve got about five outfielders, six infielders, and three catchers we’d ...
ANNOUNCEMENT
The second annual Battle of the Border has been set for Tuesday, May 30 at Hofstra University. The game will begin at 4pm and will be open to the public. Players will be taking infield/outfield and batting practice prior to the game. We have switched up the format this year–it will now be Long Island vs. NYC as to incorporate all the best players from our great region. In the event that a player is from LI and plays at one of the city schools (or vice verse), the player will have the decision which side to represent. As per our good friends at the NCAA, in order for a collegiate player to be eligible they must be a senior UNLESS they are from a Div-I four-year program. The coaching staff and rosters will be announced during the season. Players will be invited based on their success d...
Scouting Report: Vito Friscia
Player Name: Vito Friscia School: Hofstra Position: C Vito is a 2015 graduate of Valley Stream Central HS. He was regarded as top prospect in the class and was a two-time All-Long Island member. At 6’3″ 225 lbs, he has the build of a prototypical power hitter. Offensively: He is a power hitter in every sense of the word. He has an exit velocity that approaches 100 MPH. He bats with a crouched stance–which gets more pronounced as the pitcher delivers, slightly open, with a slight bat wag. He has very quick hands and finishes with both hands on the bat. While his best power is to straight-away left field, he does have the ability to put it over the right fielder’s head. He went 2-for-6 in the series with three walks. He displayed advanced patience for a freshman, espe...
