FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Baseball pitchers Michael Sansone and Jake Noviello were named to Collegiate Baseball News Preseason All-America Second Team after coming off the best seasons in school history. Both pitchers tied a single season program record in wins as the duo combined to go 18-2 during Fairfield's historic 2021 season.
"Jake Noviello and Mike Sansone work as hard as anyone I have ever seen in my 10 years as the head coach to become the best pitcher and teammate every day," Head Coach
Bill Currier said. "These two have rightfully earned this preseason honor on their success last year. They are no doubt excited to better themselves for this year's schedule."
Sansone took the ball in the opening game of the weekend series for the Stags throughout the season and pitched to a 9-2 record with a 2.58 ERA. The left-hander finished in the top-5 in the MAAC in ERA, WHIP (1.01), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.87). The All-MAAC First Teamer went a perfect 8-0 during his regular season starts including a career-high 11 strikeouts in seven innings against Siena. He also was the winning pitcher in Fairfield's NCAA Regional win over Arizona State with three shutout innings of relief.
He continued that success into the summer after becoming the first Stag in school history to be named to the prestigious Cape Cod League All-Star team after going 4-0 for the Bourne Braves with a 2.07 ERA.
"Mike continues to prove he belongs with the best," Fairfield pitching coach
Jordan Tabakman said. "He is always eager to find ways to improve his game and certainly one of the most intelligent pitchers I've been around."
Noviello had a breakout campaign during Fairfield's historic 2021 season, pitching to an unblemished 9-0 record with a 1.47 ERA, which was ranked in the top-5 in the nation. He was a clutch pitcher throughout the season, keeping the Stags alive in the MAAC Championships with 8.1 innings allowing just one run and striking out eight. He also earned the program's first-ever win in a NCAA Regional as he went five innings against Southern.
Noviello also ranked in the top-10 in the country in WHIP (0.88) and fewest walks per nine innings (1.20). Noviello was also named to the All-MAAC First Team and All-Region Second Team.
"Noviello is a true joy to be around," Coach Tabakman said. "His energy is contagious and inspiring. His teammates and coaches could not be happier for the success he has earned. He has a very bright future ahead and we are all rooting for him."
The duo helped the Stags to become one of the best stories in the country, as the Stags posted a 39-5 record including a 33-1 mark to the regular season. Fairfield earned the program's first-ever national ranking as they were slotted 23rd by Baseball America. The Stags also posted the first two wins in a NCAA Regional in school history, besting Southern and Arizona State.