Gulls vs. Swamp Bats: NECBL Finals Preview

SERIES IN BRIEF
Newport got two days off, due to a rainout and a game three in the Western Division Finals. They also played the minimum number of playoff games in there two series with four, while Keene has played the maximum of six. This causes a problem for Keene, as Newport will have some of their best pitchers ready to go, while Keene has had to use them up. These two teams have appeared in 13 finals between the two of them, with Newport winning five and Keene winning three. They've faced off three times (including once when Newport were still the Rhode Island Gulls), from 2000-2002. Newport won two of the three.

KEENE SWAMP BATS - 27-17, #1 seed in the Western Division (0 games back)
Keene started 3-11, but rattled off 24 wins in their final 30 games, backed by the best hitters in the league and solid pitching as well. They earned the #1 seed, and worked hard to get here, going three games in both series. They've been here frequently before, including three matchups with Newport. Keene has good pitching, even better hitting but errors have hurt them at key times.

HOW THEY GOT HERE
First Round: Beat the #4 Holyoke Blue Sox in three games, 5-4, 2-4 and 16-1
Second Round: Beat the #2 Vermont Mountaineers in three games, 4-2, 2-3 and 9-8 (10 inn.)

PROJECTED LINEUP (SEASON STATS)

1. Zach Lucas-DH- .331/22R/17RBI
2. Matt Ford-2B- .272/24R/21RBI
3. JP Sportman-CF- .340/24R/31RBI
4. Brian O'Grady-RF- .297/23R/26RBI
5. Tommy Monnot-C- .263/12R/11RBI
6. Zachary Lauricella-LF- .248/21R/14RBI
7. Eric Gutierrez-1B- .226/19R/15RBI
8. Robbie Cafiero-3B- .341/9R/11RBI
9. Dylan Moore-SS- .243/29R/9RBI

NEWPORT GULLS - 30-14, #1 seed in the Eastern Division (0 games back)
The Gulls are almost a guarantee to make the championship series each year. It's no different this year, as they cruised to the best record in the league and have won four straight playoff games to get here. A balance of the best pitching and some of the best hitting, as well as surefire defense have placed them just two wins away from their second straight title and sixth all time.

HOW THEY GOT HERE
First Round: Swept the #4 Sanford Mainers, 11-4 and 4-0
Second Round: Swept the #3 Mystic Schooners, 5-1 and 3-1

PROJECTED LINEUP (SEASON STATS)
1. Shea Donlin-2B- .274/14R/11RBI
2. Adrian English-3B- .296/19R/12RBI
3. Trace Tam Sing-SS- .312/36R/15RBI
4. Ben Roberts-LF- .312/43R/35RBI 
5. Steve Anderson-1B- .236/25R/42RBI
6. Timmy Robinson-RF- .279/19R/22RBI
7. Brett Winger-DH- .247/9R/8RBI
8. Ethan Ferreira-C- .266/10R/12RBI
9. Cody Jones-CF- .261/32R/13RBI



SERIES PROJECTED STARTERS
Newport's Brett Graves (Missouri) vs. Keene's Nicholas Kozlowski (Hofstra)
Newport's Sean Hartnett (Washington St) vs. Keene's David Sosebee (Georgia)
Newport's Mark McCoy (Wake Forest) vs. Keene's Brian Hunter (Hartford)