June 19, 2007

JACKSON -- After a 35-11 season on the diamond produced eight different players with 10 or more doubles, Millsaps has been declared the 2007 statistical champion with an NCAA Division III mark of 150 -- 31 better than runner-up St. Scholastica.

The Majors receive their second plaque for the same feat in 1996.

"Extra base hits are important in putting runners in scoring position real quick," 19th-year head coach Jim Page said. "Our philosophy is that doubles are made right out of the box and that it's a double until the opposing team stops you."

The Majors recorded 109 doubles last season in 50 games en route to a 37-13 season, led by Hunter Abrams (17), Luke Morrow (15) and Garner Wetzel (14).

A pair of outfielders led the pack this season, with junior Hunter Owen (23) and senior Jason Hadley (20) each breaking Kirk Kinard's Millsaps single-season record of 19 while Abrams (17), Justin Carter (14), John Pacillo (13), Derrik Boland (13), Morrow (13) and Nick Crawford (12) each posted double-digit totals.

"Hitting with wood during the offseason helps us out a lot heading into the fall," Page said. "Our guys are extremely aggressive on the base paths and I'm real proud of the effort."