By Danny Powell

It may not surprise many to learn that Hofstra has a losing record after playing powerhouse teams like Auburn University and Florida State along with a tough conference schedule. A closer look, however, reveals that the team is not struggling as much as one might think. There have actually been some pleasant surprises for the Pride.

Perhaps the best aspect of the team in this young season has been the production from a rather inexperienced line-up. Despite losing its top three run producers from a year ago, a young Hofstra batting order has stepped up its performance, averaging seven runs a game thus far. Surprisingly, the line-up that consists mostly of sophomores and freshmen has put up one and a half more runs per game than last year’s team did.

They have hit only four home runs all season, but the key has been the Pride’s ability to get on base and then make things happen when there are runners aboard. Hofstra’s on base percentage through their first 18 games is .398, good for fourth in the CAA. The Pride is also fourth in the conference in stolen bases with 32.

Leading to way for the young offense has been freshman third baseman Matt Prokopowicz. The Massapequa native is hitting a team-high .452 and also leads the team with 16 runs batted in. Even in his first year of collegiate ball, Prokopowicz has the highest batting average of any player with more than five at-bats in a strong CAA.

If the team’s veteran pitching staff, which includes six seniors, can find their stride and improve on their conference-worst 8.81 earned run average, the Pride could make a serious run in the CAA. Either way, the stellar production of the young line-up means the future looks bright for Hofstra baseball.