W&M to Play Norfolk State and George Washington

04/07/08 4:40PM

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Having won four of its last five games, the William and Mary baseball team will look for continued success when it squares off against Norfolk State and George Washington in a pair of mid-week non-conference games. The Tribe will play at NSU on Tuesday at 6 p.m. before hosting the Colonials at Plumeri Park on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

In its last outing, the College (20-11) split a doubleheader at Georgia State on Sunday. Senior Tim Park had an impressive afternoon, as he went 4-for-7 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored.

As a team, W&M currently leads the Colonial Athletic Association in batting average (.336), runs scored (239), hits (356), doubles (82), total bases (561) and stolen bases (63). Additionally, the Tribe ranks second in slugging percentage (.529), on-base percentage (.416) and triples (9).

Individually, Park, junior Mike Sheridan and classmate Ben Guez are all hitting .395 or better and rank among the league’s top six in batting average. The trio also ranks among the league’s top four in hits and runs scored.

W&M has posted particularly impressive numbers in non-conference play this season, hitting .353 with more than eight runs scored per game. Individually, Park, Sheridan, junior Rob Nickle, senior Greg Maliniak and junior Lanny Stanfield are all hitting .400 or better in non-conference play.

Norfolk State enters Tuesday’s contest on a six-game winning streak and owns a 13-10 record. John Lynch leads the team with a .341 batting average, while John Boyd is hitting .310 with three home runs and 27 RBI. As a team, NSU has a 3.99 team ERA. Last season, the Tribe defeated the Spartans, 6-4, at Plumeri Park.

George Washington enters the week with a 16-13 record and will play CAA opponent George Mason on Tuesday prior to taking on the Tribe. Earlier this season, the College defeated the Colonials, 5-3. Junior James Williamson came up big in the win, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Tim Reeves leads GW with a .380 batting average, while Charlie Kruer is hitting .345 with a team-best five home runs and 33 RBI.

W&M is 10-4 in non-conference action this season.