On Wednesday, April 16, the University of Maine men’s baseball team hosted the University of Maine at Farmington at Mahaney Diamond, and the Black Bears dominated in a 17-1 victory that ended under the mercy rule after seven innings. This game showcased offensive firepower, solid pitching and excellent defense from the Black Bears as they extended their win streak.
The game kicked off with third-year pitcher Vaun Larisa on the mound for the Black Bears. Larisa held the Beavers hitless in the first inning, setting the stage for a strong performance. The Black Bears quickly took control of the game in the bottom of the first. First-year infielder Evan Menzel, fourth-year infielder Myles Sargent, first-year catcher Aidan Bardi and graduate infielder Damon Gaither all crossed the plate, giving a 4-0 lead before the Beavers could even get their offense going.
In the top of the second inning, fourth-year infielder Nate Coombs managed to get the Beavers’ only run on the board. But that was the extent of the Beavers’ success. The Black Bears held Farmington to just one run and responded with a solid defensive inning. Despite not scoring in the second inning, UMaine’s momentum was far from fading.
Third-year pitcher Pierce Friedman took the mound for the Black Bears in the third inning and continued the strong pitching effort. No Beavers reached base, and the Black Bears quickly returned to work at the plate. Graduate utility Payton Whitehead knocked a two-run homer that sent Gaither across the plate, and soon after, first-year outfielder Quinn Murphy and first-year infielder Caleb Vacchiano each added a run. Menzel and Sargent also scored, giving UMaine a commanding 10-1 lead by the end of the inning.
The fourth inning went by quickly, as both teams struggled to get on base. Solid pitching from both sides kept things moving fast, and neither team was able to score. The Black Bears still held a significant advantage with their 10-1 lead intact.
In the fifth inning, second-year pitcher Jason Libby took over for Friedman on the mound and continued the strong pitching performance, keeping the Beavers off the bases. Meanwhile, the Black Bears kept the pressure on offensively. Vacchiano and Menzel both crossed the plate, followed by third-year infielder Drew Reynolds scoring his first run of the night. By the end of the inning, the Black Bears had a 16-1 lead.
The sixth inning saw first-year Jack Donlin take the mound for UMaine, and again, the Beavers couldn’t get anything going. No Beavers reached base as the Black Bears’ pitching staff remained flawless. Sargent added the final run for UMaine, bringing the score to 17-1.
The seventh inning was short and sweet. The Black Bears didn’t even need to bat again since they were already ahead by a large margin. The Beavers had one final chance to get something going but couldn’t capitalize. The game ended with UMaine securing a decisive 17-1 victory.
This win showed off the Black Bears’ depth, with every part of the team contributing to the blowout victory. With strong pitching, great defensive plays and a relentless offense, the Black Bears will be looking to keep their momentum going as they head into their next home series against the New Jersey Institute of Technology, starting on Thursday, April 25.
