Fitchburg State Advances to ECAC Semi-Finals

Falcons break four program records and soar into ECAC second round action

FITCHBURG, Mass. (May 5, 2009) - The Fitchburg State baseball team used a record breaking performance on Wednesday afternoon, belting a single-game record, six homeruns, to advance to the ECAC Division III New England Championship semi-finals.

The Falcons broke the previous record of five homeruns set in 2008 (WPI 3/25) by belting six long-balls in its 13-7 victory over Wentworth. Senior Aaron Granahan (Thomaston, Conn./Thomaston) paved the way with two homeruns, while sophomore John Phelan (Walpole, Mass./Walpole), classmate Ricky Graham (Walpole, Mass./Walpole), junior Matt Morrison (Beverly, Mass./Bishop Fenwick) and senior Kris Breen (Griswold, Conn./Griswold) each belted one long ball.

In addition to its single-game records, Fitchburg State also posted several single-season records with its performance yesterday. With its six homeruns, Fitchburg State broke the program's all-time single-season homeruns record (15) as the team totaled its 22nd homerun of the season. Also, with 18 hits in the contest, the Falcons snapped the program's single season hits mark (375), posting their 394th hit of the year.   

Fitchburg State has used a consistent attack all season, led by All-Conference first team honoree, John Phelan. Phelan continues to add to his single season hits record with 58 hits to date, while holding current 11-game hitting streak. He has recorded team-highs in doubles (10), triples (3), and total bases (83), while totaling a team-best .400 batting average.

Sauer also boasts a solid 11-game hitting streak after registering three hits in the Falcons victory over Wentworth. The senior leader has been strong down the final stretch, boosting his season average to .372 with five doubles, two triples, one homerun and 30 RBI. Currently, Sauer is approaching Fitchburg State's single-season runs mark (42) with 40 runs scored this season.

Rounding out the Falcons recording break offense is senior powerhouse Kris Breen. Breen has been a dominating force for Fitchburg State, wrapping up his four-year career with a record breaking season. The senior slugger has not only broke single-season RBI marks this year but has also left his mark in the career records books. Breen, a 2009 MASCAC All-Conference second team selection, recently became the Falcons all-time career RBI leader, posting his 112th RBI against Wentworth. In addition to ranking second all-time in homeruns (17), Breen is only two doubles shy of tying the career doubles mark of 30.

Sixth-seeded Fitchburg State (18-17) will battle second-seeded Worcester State (28-14) on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. The game will be hosted at WPI and will be available on the internet via live stats at http://esraiders.com/wpibaseball/xlive.htm. For more information regarding the ECAC Division III New England Baseball Championship, please contact Sports Information Director, Keith Brouillard at 978-665-3343 or via email at kbrouil3@fsc.edu.

2009 ECAC Division III New England Baseball Championship

SATURDAY MAY 9^TH, 2009 - SEMI-FINALS AT WPI

GAME 3: #5 Becker (18-14-1) at #1 WPI (26-11), 9 a.m.
GAME 4: #6 Fitchburg State (19-17) vs. #2 Worcester State (28-14), 12:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 9^TH 2009 - CHAMPIONSHIP AT WPI

GAME 5: Winner GAME 3 vs. Winner GAME 4, 4 p.m.