Eric Chown Class: Senior Hometown: Fall River, Mass. High School: Durfee H.S. Height / Weight: 6-6 / 212 Position: Pitcher Bats / Throws: Right / Right

Returns as UMass' No. 1 starting pitcher ... One of the hardest throwers on the team ... Ranks seventh all-time at UMass with 47 career appearances ... Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 38th round (1,147 overall) of the 2003 draft.

AS A JUNIOR IN 2003: A second team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Atlantic 10 Tournament selection ... Had a 7-4 mark on the year with a 4.25 ERA, one save and 49 strikeouts ... Had six complete games in 12 starts, while throwning 72 innings ... Placed fifth on the UMass single season list with 12 games started ... Went 6-1 in Atlantic 10 games, with a 2.74 ERA and 31 strikeouts ... Defeated George Washington in A-10 Tournament with six-hit, nine-inning complete game, allowing only one run while striking out five ... Allowed no earned runs on six hits in complete game win vs. St. Joseph's ... Threw complete game to beat St. Bonaventure, allowing two earned runs ... Earned save against Vermont, retiring final batter with a strikeout ... Downed URI with complete game, giving up one run and five htis ... Had complete game win at Fordham, allowing only one run and five hits ... Struck out eight batters over six innings for the win at Duquesne.

AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2002: Went 3-8 with a 4.98 ERA and 36 strikeouts as the No. 2 starter ... Threw 6-1/3 shutout innings to earn win against Rhode Island ... Earned win in relief against Vermont, allowing three runs in 7-1/3 innings ... Downed St. Joseph's, striking out five in 7-2/3 innings of work ... Took tough loss at South Florida, allowing no earned runs in five innings.

AS A FRESHMAN IN 2001: Posted a 5-1 record with one save, a 4.08 ERA and 26 strikeouts ... Ranked third on UMass single season list for appearances with 18 ... Allowed five runs in 6-1/3 innings for win over St. Joseph's as a starter ... Had a win and a save out of the bullpen in the George Washington series, tossing a total of 3-1/3 innings of scoreless relief ... Named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week following the GW series ... Picked up win in finale of St. Bonaventure series, throwing 3-1/3 innings while giving up two runs on three hits ... Had a season-best four strikeouts against both Siena and Duquesne ... Redshirted in 2000. BEFORE UMASS: Played his prep ball at B.M.C. Durfee H.S. in Fall River, Mass.

PERSONAL: Born January 7, 1981, in Fall River, Mass. ... Son of James and Vivian Chown ... Majoring in Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Administration.