The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Erin Odell UConn slugger George Springer stands in the batter's box during the Huskies' game against Georgetown on April 19. Springer, a freshman, leads the team with 11 home runs on the season.

Rain swept through much of Connecticut Tuesday, cancelling the baseball team's scheduled game against Fairfield at J.O. Christian Field. There is no scheduled make up date. Instead, the Huskies (22-16) look to continue their hot streak when they hit the road to play the University of Rhode Island Rams (24-13-1). The first pitch is at 3 p.m.

UConn is putting together one of its best seasons in recent memory. After losing their first series by getting swept by West Virginia, the Huskies have won five consecutive Big East series, including against Big East leaders South Florida - handing the Bulls their two of their three conference losses this year.

With a dominant 14-4 win over Quinnipiac on Monday, UConn has won eight of its last 10 games. As has been the case much of the year, George Springer paced the offense with a season-high six RBI. He also hit his team-leading 11th home run of the year, tied for second in the Big East and only one HR behind Cincinatti's Mike Spina.

The Rams are one of the more difficult midweek opponents UConn has faced. Their conference record puts them 1.5 games ahead of second-place Dayton in the Atlantic 10. Rhode Island comes in hot as well, winning seven of its last eight. Being on the road will make it especially difficult for the Huskies because of Rhode Island's 9-1 home record.

The Rams are led on offense by junior infielder Oliver Palmer. Palmer is batting an impressive .380, which leads the team. He also has smacked a conference-leading 17 doubles to go with eight home runs.

The Rhode Island pitching staff is anchored by junior Eric Smith who, in his seven starts, has accumulated a 4-1 record with a 3.06 earned run average. But the most impressive aspect of Smith's pitching résumé is the .206 batting average to which he has held opposing batters throughout the season.

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