Bearcats Open BIG EAST Play Against Bulls

March 21, 2008

USF Series Notes

SETTING THE SCENE: Cincinnati opens its third campaign in the BIG EAST Conference when it welcomes USF to Marge Schott Stadium this weekend. Undefeated against USF as a member of the BIG EAST, UC (6-8) looks to start league play on a winning note, beginning on Friday (March 21). USF (10-8, 2-1 BIG EAST) is one of three BIG EAST teams the Bearcats did not play last season. The Bulls took two of three against Seton Hall last weekend. The Bearcats' offense starts at the top, with lead off batter Tony Campana. The reigning NCAA stolen base champion, the senior center fielder is hitting .345 and has converted 12-of-16 stolen base attempts. No. 1 hurler Dan Osterbrock starts the BIG EAST opener after posting a 9-1 mark a year ago.

SCOUTING THE BullS: The Bulls are 10-8 overall with a 2-1 BIG EAST record. After posting a seven-game winning streak, USF has dropped its last three. The Bulls are batting .286 with 14 home runs, 30 doubles and a triple. On the mound, USF's pitching staff has accumulated a 4.31 ERA, with 151 strikeouts and 66 walked batters. Four Bulls are hitting above .300, led by Brandon Smith's .380 and Joey Angelberger's .358 batting average. Closer Shawn Sanford paces the pitching staff with a 1.20 ERA, 4-0 record and three saves. The Stopper of the Year candidate has 17 strikeouts in 15.0 IP,
No. 1 starter Daniel Thomas leads the team with 22 strikeouts in 16.0 innings.

Noting the BEARCATS: Off during the week due to finals for the Winter Quarter, the Bearcats are back on the diamond after a four-day layoff. The UC split four games against Niagara in its most recent competition. Led by senior center fielder Tony Campana's .345 batting average, the Bearcats are hitting .266 with 10 home runs, 21 doubles and three triples. Cincinnati's three weekend starting pitchers are a combined 3-4 with 64 strikeouts and only eight free passes. Dan Osterbrock is 1-1 with a 1.31 ERA while Michael Hill has the same record and a 2.95 ERA. Tyler Smith (1-2, 3.24 ERA) has leads UC with 28 strikeouts and 25.0 innings of work.