Sophomore righthander John Birtwell (4-3, 2.34), who leads the team in innings pitched (50.0) and strikeouts (55), and who also shut out the Tigers on April 10, should start tomorrow's nightcap, depending upon the outcome of the first game. Freshman righthander Ben Crockett (5-1, 4.80) is the other likely candidate to start.
"I had command of my stuff against Princeton last time, but lately I haven't had the same feel out there," Birtwell said. "After facing them last time, their hitters have an advantage because they've seen me before, but I think I have a good chance to beat them again. I don't know about a shutout, but that would be nice."
Birtwell and company will face a Princeton lineup led by senior first baseman Matt Evans (.331, 31). But, if Harvard can bring its recent momentum into the postseason, it should begin reading period by claiming its third straight Ancient Eight championship.
"Everything has come together for us over the past few weeks in terms of pitching, defense and hitting," Binkowski said. "This series means a lot to all the guys. Everyone says it's hard to beat the same team three straight years but I feel very confident that we can do it in front of the home crowd."