NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 2011 version of the Christopher Newport University baseball team will take the field for the first time on Wednesday, as the Captains host the Hampden-Sydney Tigers (2-1) at 2:00 pm. The Captains, picked to finish third in the USA South Preseason Poll will open their season Wednesday while they play the Tigers, already in their fourth game of the young season.

Christopher Newpoort returns one of their top pitchers from 2010, junior Sean Chitsaz (Burke, Va.), along with a strong contingency at the dish. The top four hitters from last season are all returning for head coach John Harvell, as All-Conference outfielders Shannon Mark (Burke, Va.) and Connor Madden (Oak Hill, Va.) are joined by Luke Saunders (Lancaster, Va.) and Ben Lenda (Chesapeake, Va.).

Madden led the squad with a .370 batting average and nine home runs, while Lenda was right behind with a .368 average and 18 extra-base hits, despite missing 13 games. Mark hit .338 and had the best eye on the team, collecting 21 walks, while Saunders hit .340 in 39 starts for the Captains. On the mound, Chitsaz went 7-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 12 games last season.

CNU went 24-17 last season and reached the USA South Tournament championship game, forcing a second game against Shenandoah before eventually falling to the Hornets. The Captains return six starters in the field and 21 letterwinners overall.

Hampden-Sydney is off to a 2-1 start so far, falling in a 2-0 pitching duel in their last game out. Ferrum held the Tigers to just two hits after scoring five runs in each of their first two games, both wins against Averett.

First pitch is set for 2:00 pm at Captains Field. Live stats will be available here.