The season started on March 3rd and it didn't start on a positive note. Syracuse senior center fielder Felix Balmaceda broke his kneecap in the first game and is out for the season. Balmaceda had a breakout year in 1873, hitting .355. He was 2 for 4 at the plate before his injury.
Felix Balmaceda, Syracuse University
Two more minor injuries occurred two weeks into the season. On March 17th, Cornell senior left fielder Steve Friedmann sprained this thumb and missed two weeks. Friedmann was hitting .381 at the time of his injury. The following day, Columbia senior center fielder Josh Rice was diagnosed with shoulder soreness and will miss three weeks. Rice was hitting .333 in 12 games. Rice had an incredible year in 1873, as he was named to the All-Collegiate team and was 2nd in MVP voting. On a high note, on March 21st, Yale senior starting pitcher Kyle "Rebel" Brown picked up his 100th win, a 7-3 victory over Brown. So far in 1874, the San Antonio native is 11-10, with a 2.09 earned run average. Brown was named MVP in both 1871 and 1872, and was named to the All-Collegiate team in 1872.
At the end of the month, Villanova senior shortstop Chris Ala was named the Batter of the Month for March. Ala hit .414, with one home run and 19 runs batted in. Cornell starting pitcher Jo Key was named Pitcher of the Month after posting a record of 13-3, with a 2.10 earned run average.
Chris Ala, Villanova University
Jo Key, Cornell University
Here's a look at the standings.