Hempstead, NY - In what is one of the biggest series in recent memory, the Hofstra University Baseball team hosts James Madison in a three-game Colonial Athletic Association series that begins with a Friday doubleheader at 12 p.m.  Game three will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. 
 
The series holds major CAA Championship implications as Hofstra needs to win at least one game in order to secure its spot in the tournament, which will be held at James Madison May 23-26. Hofstra could still qualify without a win, but would need help and have to wait until the league schedule plays out next weekend. 
 
The Pride is 22-19 on the season and 11-10 in the CAA. Hofstra currently sits in fifth place in the CAA standings. The Dukes are 21-25 overall and 6-12 in the CAA. This marks Hofstra's final conference series of the year, while James Madison has six games remaining in league play. 
 
Hofstra is 12-34 all-time versus the Dukes. James Madison won two of three at home against Hofstra last season. 
 
All-America and CAA Pitcher of the Year candidate John Rooney (7-1, 1.00 ERA) will start for the Pride on Friday in game one with Matt Weissheier (4-4, 3.15 ERA) following in game two. Saturday's starter for the Pride is to be determined.  James Madison's starting rotation will be Colton Harlow (3-4, 4.16 ERA) in game one; Kevin Kelly (2-3, 3.83 ERA) in game two and Nick Stewart (3-3, 2.68 ERA) in game three.  
 
Prior to Saturday's game, Hofstra will honor its six seniors – Teddy Cillis, Steven Foster, Michael James, Mikey Riesner, Chris Weiss and Matt Weissheier – as well as junior John Rooney as they play their final game at University Field.
 
Live statistics and Pride Production Live Audio will be available through the links above or on the schedule page of GoHofstra.com.