April 16, 2012

DALLAS - For the fourth week in a row, the Army baseball team is among the country's elite programs receiving votes in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association national poll. The Black Knights are one of just 49 programs to receive votes in this week's rankings.

Army (28-9, 12-0 PL) has won 23 of its last 28 games dating back to early March. The Black Knights, who have opened Patriot League play with three consecutive four-game sweeps, are the first team in conference history to begin the league season a perfect 12-0.

The Black Knights, who enjoy a four-game lead over second-place Holy Cross (8-4 PL) in the conference standings, have already clinched a spot in next month's Patriot League Tournament. Army, which has swept three consecutive conference weekends for the first time since joining the circuit in 1993, can finish no lower than third place in the final league standings.

Army has tied its own Patriot League record with 12 straight conference victories. The 2004 squad established the mark en route to a 17-3 league finish. The Black Knights have won 13 straight regular-season Patriot League games dating back to last year.

Army has swept eight straight doubleheaders dating back to its four-game sweep of Harvard last month. The Black Knights blanked Lafayette three times in four games this past weekend, outscoring the Leopards, 19-2. Army has registered an Academy-record eight shutout victories in 2012, with junior RHP Chris Rowley owning a single-season school record four blankings.

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 15th year with its 2012 weekly surveys. Florida returned to the top of the survey for the ninth time this season.

Army will return to action on Wednesday, April 18, when the Black Knights host St. Peter's at 3:30 p.m.