BB: Hofstra Hosts Delaware This Weekend; Weather Forces Schedule Change

Hempstead, NY - Coming off an 11-4 win at Saint Peter's, the Hofstra Baseball team returns to action Friday as it opens a Colonial Athletic Association series against Delaware at University Field. Due to inclement weather forecasted for Saturday, the teams will now play a doubleheader Friday beginning at Noon. Sunday's 1 p.m. first pitch remains as scheduled.

Hofstra (8-21, 1-4 CAA) will look to build on the momentum of Wednesday's win at Saint Peter's where the Pride had 13 hits including three home runs in the win. Brad Witkowski homered twice, the first for a Pride player since 2013, and drove in three runs. Vito Friscia had a solo home run and Mat Annunziata drove in four runs with two hits on the day. Teddy Cillis got the start and earned his first career win, while five other Pride pitchers saw action as well.

Delaware (18-11, 1-5 CAA) comes to Hempstead fresh off a 4-2 win over La Salle at the Liberty Bell Classic in Philadelphia. Matt Hornich struck out seven batters in four innings and Burk FitzPatrick struck out five in 2 2/3 innings to pick up the save. Nick Patten had a two-run home run for the Hens in the game.

In Friday's opener Hofstra will send Chris Weiss (1-2, 6.48 ERA) to the mound while Delaware will counter with Ron Marinaccio (5-1, 3.95). Marinaccio is tied for the league lead with five wins. Bowie Matteson (2-2, 2.56) will start game two for the Pride and be opposed by Brandon Walter (3-3, 3.46). Matteson ranks third in the CAA in ERA, while Walter is sixth. Sunday's finale will see John Rooney (1-4, 4.78) start for the Pride. Delaware has not announced a starter for Sunday. Rooney is sixth in the CAA in strikeouts with 36.

The home games mark just the third time Hofstra will have played at home this season. Hofstra is 0-2 at University Field in 2016. The series marks the start of an eight game home stand for the Pride, who host NYIT, Manhattan and College of Charleston next week.

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Players Mentioned

#25 Mat Annunziata: OF; 6' 1"; Sophomore; R/R

#29 Bowie Matteson: P; 6' 3"; Senior; R/R

#12 Chris Weiss: P; 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R

#3 Brad Witkowski: IF; 5' 10"; Junior; R/R

#16 Teddy Cillis: OF/P; 6' 2"; Redshirt Sophomore; L/L

#27 Vito Friscia: C; 6' 3"; Freshman; R/R

#45 John Rooney: P; 6' 5"; Freshman; L/L

Players Mentioned

#25 Mat Annunziata
: 6' 1"; Sophomore; R/R
: OF

#29 Bowie Matteson
: 6' 3"; Senior; R/R
: P

#12 Chris Weiss
: 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R
: P

#3 Brad Witkowski
: 5' 10"; Junior; R/R
: IF

#16 Teddy Cillis
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Sophomore; L/L
: OF/P

#27 Vito Friscia
: 6' 3"; Freshman; R/R
: C

#45 John Rooney
: 6' 5"; Freshman; L/L
: P