SteepleCat junior Tyler Gebler (Toms River, N.J.) pitched his fourth career complete game to lead Rutgers University past the University of Pittsburgh, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader last Saturday in Piscataway, N.J.

Gebler (2-3) needed just 1:59 and 98 pitches to work all nine innings in the opener of the twin bill, allowing one run and five hits in the outing to win for the first time at home this season. The right-hander recorded four strikeouts and has surrendered only two runs in his last 17 innings pitched.

The Scarlet Knights did fall in the weekend series, however, 2-1, moving them into sixth place in the BIG EAST standings while falling four back of first-place St. John’s. Rutgers sits in fair position to clinch a playoff spot, however, with two weekends remaining in the conference schedule and a three-game lead over the eighth and final playoff spot that is currently occupied by Villanova.

Roy, Rams drop 2-of-3 to Fordham, sit in second in A-10

Entering the weekend tied with Saint Louis for the top spot in the Atlantic-10 standings, URI dropped 2-of-3 to Fordham to move into second place in the conference standings and two back of Saint Louis.

The Rams fell in the opener to Fordham before rallying for a 6-4 win on Saturday, but dropped the series finale, 7-5. The two losses secured the first series loss for the Rams in A-10 play this season.

Incoming SteepleCat Jeff Roy continues to roll, however, extending his league-leading on-base streak to 37 consecutive games. The sophomore Cranston, R.I. native finished the weekend with three hits, including a triple in Sunday’s loss.

Only two more weekends remain in the A-10 regular season before the tournament championship that will be held from May 23-26 in the Bronx, N.Y.

Badamo, Dowling set for East Coast Conference Tournament

After wrapping up their regular season with a conference record of 17-7 (28-17 overall), the ECC Tournament defending champion Golden Lions enter the East Coast Conference Championship Tournament as the No. 2 seed facing the No. 3 seeded Pioneers of C.W. Post starting Thursday. Dowling posted a 3-2 record against the Pioneers in the regular season.

The Lions and Pioneers played to an epic 20-inning game last week that North Adams hurler Dan Badamo was a part of. The sophomore right hander went nine innings and yielded one run on four hits while striking out eight.

Badamo finishes the regular season sporting a 4-2 record but an impressive 2.47 ERA. He has struck out 83 while walking just 28 on the season, good for nearly a 2.5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Postseason Pictures Heating Up

Making its ninth consecutive appearance in the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, top-seeded UC San Diego is set to host the 2012 four-team, double elimination tournament from May 10-12 at Triton Ballpark in La Jolla, Calif. UCSD will be gunning for its fourth consecutive title – and fifth overall – as well as an automatic berth in the upcoming NCAA Division II Championships. UCSD has been bolstered by incoming North Adams pitcher Dan Kolodin over the course of the season.

Incoming SteepleCats Dillon Bass and Christian MacDonald will also be playing in the postseason, as UNC Wilmington won its eighth consecutive CAA series ast weekend against Towson to clinch a spot in the Colonial Athletic Associaiton Tournament with a 19-5 record in conference play.

With the 2012 NECBL season right around the corner, fans are encouraged to save on admission by purchasing season tickets to save 33% off the price of regular admission. To inquire about ticket purchases, visit Val’s Variety in Adams; Creations or Man’s World Styling Salon in North Adams; Billmont’s Country Store in Stamford, VT; by calling 413-
663-7333; or visiting shopsteeplecats.com.

The SteepleCats are seeking additional members of the community who wish to join the organization and contribute in a variety of roles. Anyone interested in helping contribute to the SteepleCats success in any capacity may contact the organization directly at dan.bosley@verizon.net.
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For more information and interviews, please contact:

Chris Aliano
Team Broadcaster/Media Relations Assistant

caliano89@gmail.com