Jan. 29, 2008
Washington, D.C. - For the first time since 1901, the Georgetown University baseball team will take on a Major League Baseball franchise. On Thursday, February 28, the Hoyas will travel to the Washington Nationals Spring Training home, Space Coast Park, in Viera, Fla. for an exhibition contest, with first pitch slated for 11:30 a.m.
"Playing a professional team is something that we have been looking forward to for a few years now," senior Matt Harrigan said. "Not only is it a great training opportunity for our team, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us. We can't wait until February 28th."
It will be the first home game of the spring season for the Nationals. They will begin major league competition on February 29 when they host the Florida Marlins
"Playing against the Nationals at their facility will be an amazing experience and a great start to our spring trip" senior Matthew Maranges said. "Competing in a major league environment will help us grow as college athletes and will hopefully begin a new tradition in our program."
Space Coast Stadium was built in 1993 and is located at 5800 Stadium Parkway in Viera, Fla. The stadium serves as the spring training facility for the Washington Nationals as well as the regular season facility for the Brevard County Manatees, the Florida State League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The stadium is named in honor of NASA's achievements over the past three plus decades, and this theme is echoed in every corner of the ballpark. To find out more about the Nationals Spring Training home, visit the official website.
The 2008 season will see the Blue and Gray gunning for a fifth-straight season of 20 wins or more, with the previous high being six-consecutive 20-win seasons from 1981-86.
Last year, Georgetown pitchers set new single-season records for fewest walks allowed and most strikeouts while compiling the best team ERA since the Hoyas joined the BIG EAST in 1985. The 4.50 team ERA was a full run better than the previous best, 5.54 in 2005. In fact, four Georgetown pitchers had an ERA under 3.00 and six pitchers held their ERA under 4.00.
Admission for the game will be free of cost.
