Cardinal Points

Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Shumpei Kishi Members of the PSUC men's baseball team watch from the dugout during last week's home game

The Plattsburgh State Cardinals (16-7) and this April's weather have shared a key trait - they both have been oddly inconsistent this month.

The usual April showers have been followed by the unusual snow, sleet and hail.

On the other hand, the Cards have dropped five out of its last eight games after jumping out to a 10-2 start.

The recent erratic weather conditions have forced the rescheduling of the Cards' last six games.

The Cards have not played since they completed last Wednesday's sweep against Lyndon State College (2-6).

The only activity the Cards have experienced since has been through several practices this week.

On Thursday, the Cards had an intense batting practice that was followed by Monday's, "return to basics." They started their practice as if it was the beginning of the season, with an intent to round back into playing shape.

"We're just starting over like we did in Florida, when we beat the previous teams," PSUC Head Coach Kris Doorey said. "We have to get ready for these 10 conference games in eight days."

The upcoming conference games, Doorey said, will make or break the season.

He added, also, that it may even make or break some of PSUC's players' careers.

The Cards have somewhat struggled at home, with a record of 3-3 of this season.

In order to help the team relax and refuel, Doorey gave them the weekend off from practice.

He felt that since the team was in a 'small funk' the best thing to do was to allow the players to get away from baseball for a few days.

The Cards will make an attempt to shake off their recent funk with a doubleheader against Fredonia State (8-15). Saturday's back-to-back will cap off their crucial stretch of conference games before the SUNYAC tournament.

Sophomore left-hander Kevin Gent (2-1) will take the mound for the first game, which is scheduled for a noon start in Fredonia.

The Cards will then travel to face the Brockport Golden Eagles, who stand at 5-3 in the conference and 15-8 overall.

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