NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the first time in nearly two weeks, the fourth-ranked Christopher Newport Captains (16-5-1, 12-3) will return to Captains Park for a home game, as they host a three-game series against Piedmont College (11-0, 8-4) this weekend. CNU will throw out the first pitch at 2:00 pm on Friday, with game start on Saturday and Sunday set for 1:00 pm. 

Christopher Newport leads the USA South Athletic Conference standings, with Piedmont tied for second just 2.5 games behind the Captains. CNU has won four of its five conference series this weekend, but is coming off it's lone loss, at LaGrange College last weekend.

The CNU pitching staff has led the way, getting 14 quality starts in 15 games against league opponents this season. Juniors Bryan Bierlein (4-1, 1.95 ERA) and Austin Chrismon (3-2, 1.75 ERA) have combined with rookie Brandon Taylor (4-0, 2.32 ERA) to lead the CNU pitching staff against the USA South. 

Offensively, junior Billy Steel has started all 22 games at shortstop for the Captains, hitting .341 with a team-high 12 extra-base hits. Steel leads the nation in runs scored, crossing the plate 26 times so far this season. Junior outfielder Justin Weaver is hitting a team-best .390 with 23 runs batted in, while Preston Grissom has 13 stolen bases through the first 22 games, hitting .363. 

Piedmont comes into the game led by Logan Pethel, hitting .377, and Josh Bailey, hitting .347, so far this season. The two have combined to drive in 27 runs so far this year. Out of the bullpen, Josh Thomas features the league's low ERA, at 1.12 in 11 appearances. Thomas has struck out 17 in 16.0 innings of work, while Jacob Brewster has saved six games with a 1.74 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. 

Live stats will be available at CNUsports.com