Feb. 3, 2013

CBI America East preview

Inside: With Stony Brook's Brandon McNitt

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

phil@collegebaseballinsider.com  @RoadToOmaha

Brandon McNitt (left) is a junior right-hander from Chino Hills, Calif. The All-American posted an 8-4 record a season ago in 17 starts with a 2.76 ERA, helping Stony Brook win Regional and Super Regional titles while advancing to the College World Series. In 104.1 innings, he walked 27 and struck out 63. McNitt logged a pair of complete games and combined on one shutout. He was named to the District I Capital One/CoSIDA Academic First Team.

McNitt was a Freshman All-American in 2011, going 7-3 with a 2.03 ERA. He walked 18 in 79.2 innings while holding opponents to a batting average of .231. McNitt was named America East Rookie of the Year.

The Seawolves went 52-15 in 2012 after posting a 42-12 mark in 2011.

1. How does a high school player from Southern California end up at Stony Brook?

I was looking for a school that had a strong balance between academics and athletics. I was attracted to Stony Brook's academics and specifically their excellent health sciences program because of my interest in becoming a doctor. From a baseball standpoint, I liked Stony Brook's winning tradition and the opportunity to earn impact innings as a freshman.

2. Can you describe what the postseason run was like for the Seawolves in 2012?

It all happened so fast but it really was a dream come true. Going to Omaha was by far the greatest highlight of my baseball career.

3. How does this year's team stay hungry after last season's success?

Every team wants to build their own identity and this year is no different. We have a lot of young and veteran players looking for something to prove and establish themselves in important roles on this team.

4. How do you see your role on the team this season as an upperclassman?

I feel like it's important for me to set a good example for the other guys in the locker room, especially with all the young players we have. Hopefully my past experiences will provide us with some consistency and be an asset for us as we overcome the challenges we will face throughout the year.

5. What are the keys to success for Stony Brook in 2013?

The biggest key for us is to continue to take care of the little things. We have done a good job of that in the past and we don't want to get away from that now. Also, we cannot beat ourselves. We have to force other teams to beat us. With so many players in new or different roles, our team needs to learn how to pick each up and continue to play together no matter what the situation.

(photos courtesy of SBU Media Relations Office)