The Penn freshman baseball players will get to live out their childhood dreams tonight at the Liberty Bell Classic. Pitted against Lehigh at 7 p.m., the Quakers will take to the diamond not at Murphy Field, but at the Phillies' home, Veterans Stadium.
"Of course there is [added significance]", Penn senior captain Nick Italiano said. "Plus, it's a nice opportunity for some of the younger guys who haven't played at a pro field.
"It's a night game, which is nice. There will be a good atmosphere."
The Red and Blue are winners of five straight -- including sweeping two double headers over the weekend -- and boast a 7-6 record. The Engineers are 8-7.
"Obviously, we like to build up momentum," Penn catcher Brian Winings said. "It's nice to know we can win a few games before the Ivy League season."
That momentum includes two wins over Hartford, one in the last half inning and the other after the Quakers lost no-hitter with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.
Though Penn went 2-6 in their season-opening tournament in Fresno, Calif., its experience in playing exposed to the elements has been integral to the successful run of late.
"I think the most important difference is that we've gotten used to being outside," Italiano said. "There are a lot of timing issues, and we've been able to gel as a team by getting reps outside."
The Quakers also have received more offensive production. Rightfielder Jon Slaughter leads the team with a .367 batting average and is one of four regular starters batting over .300.
Lehigh has its own share of threats. Engineers' shortstop Eric Hoffman has a .472 batting clip, and catcher Jeff Quiros stands at .381.
But according to Winings, these numbers can be deceptive.
"Early in the season, batting averages can be attributed to hot streaks," he said. "We're not looking at any individual players right now. It's not any one guy.
"We need to keep putting together our pitching with the defense like we have been. If we keep playing well as a team, we're going to turn some heads in the Ivy League."
Today's game is one of two left before the Ancient Eight season starts -- the Quakers travel to Columbia on Saturday.
Last season, Penn went on a hot streak down the stretch, winning 13 of its last 18 games to pull into second place behind Princeton in the Lou Gehrig division. That performance left Penn primed for a run at this year's league title.
"Non-league games really do matter a lot -- we have to get game-ready," Italiano said. "The coaches have to learn things about the team, like who should be where.
"We just need to keep this momentum. All the games matter, but the Ivy games are of the utmost importance."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
