Raging Tide: Black Bear Whitten named POTW

University of Maine freshman Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.), who is playing baseball this summer for the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, has been named NECBL Player of the Week for the week ending June 25.

Whitten hit .438 for the Tide on the week with two home runs, three doubles and seven RBI. His seven RBI and his 1.500 on base plus slugging percentage led the NECBL on the week. Whitten hit his two home runs on June 25 in an 8-6 loss to Danbury.

He drove in four runs in the Raging Tide's 12-7 loss to Mystic earlier in the week, where he also pitched 1.1 scoreless innings.

Whitten is one of a number of Black Bears playing in summer leagues around the country this season.

A.J. Bazdanes (Nashua, N.H.) was the NECBL Pitcher of the Week last week, while Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) was runner up for NECBL Player of the Week.

-UM Press Release-

Baseball: Maine falls to James Madison, ends season

The University of Maine baseball team saw its post-season run come to an end on Sunday afternoon with a 5-2 loss to James Madison University in the Chapel Hill Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The Black Bears see their season end at 33-24. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) led the Maine offense in the game as he had a double and a triple.

Maine opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Fransoso doubled off the right field wall and then stole second base. He scored when Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) singled to left field.

JMU took the lead in the top of the second inning with four runs. Ty McFarland singled to center field and Bradley Shaban followed with a bunt single. Both runners advanced a base when Conner Brown laid down a sacrifice bunt. McFarland scored on an infield single by Cole McInturff. Shaban scored the second run of the inning when Johnny Bladel singled to left field. McInturff and Bladel both scored when Jake Lowery doubled to right center.

The Black Bears got a run back in the bottom of the third inning. Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) drew a walk and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored when Fransoso tripled off the wall in right center field.

Brown singled up the middle and McInturff reached on a bunt single to lead off the top of the eighth inning. Brown moved to third when Bladel flew out and scored on a Jake Lowery sacrifice fly to make it a 5-2 final.

A.J. Bazdanes (Nashua, N.H.) got the start on the mound for the Black Bears. He went two innings and allowed four runs on six hits. He walked a pair of batters while striking out one. He falls to 1-5 on the season. Shaun Coughlin (Northford, Conn.) replaced Bazdanes and went 5.1 innings. He allowed one run on seven hits while striking out a pair. He was replaced by Jonathan Balentina (Willemstad, Curacao) who pitched the final 1.2 innings without allowing a hit.

Evan Scott got the start for JMU and went 7.1 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four. He improves to 4-3 on the season. He was replaced by Alex Valadja who went an inning without allowing a hit. D.J. Brown pitched the final 0.2 innings.

It was a remarkable end to the season for the Black Bears who won 21 of their final 25 games of the season. In the process, Maine won an NCAA Regional game for the first time since 2005.

-UMaine Communications-

Baseball: UMaine gets a walk-off win

Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) hit a walk-off three run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning and give Maine a 5-2 win over Northeastern on Tuesday afternoon at Goodall Park in Sanford, Maine. The Black Bears extend their winning streak to eight games with the win.

Maine improves to 23-21 on the season, while Northeastern falls to 15-29.

Maine got on the board in the top of the third inning. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) started a two-out rally with a single to center. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) followed and was hit. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) then singled to center, sending Lewis home from first base for his team-leading 34th RBI of the season.

It looked as if Northeastern's Jon Leroux would have an extra base hit in the top of the fourth inning, but a spectacular diving catch by Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) sent the Huskies down in order.

Northeastern tied the game in the top of the fifth inning. Connor Lyons drew a walk and then stole second base. He moved to third when Jeff Dunlap grounded out and scored on an error.

The Huskies took their first lead of the game in the top of the sixth inning. Aaron Barbosa reached on a bunt single and the stole both second and third base. He scored on a Matt Miller sacrifice fly to right field.

Maine tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. Fransoso singled to shortstop. He advanced to second on an error and scored when Martin singled to center field.

In the bottom of the ninth, Ian Leisenheimer drew a walk and Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) was hit before Whitten belted his home run. For Whitten, it was his fourth home run of the season.

Kevin Scanlan (Sudbury, Mass.) got the start on the mound and had his best outing of the season. He went five innings and allowed two runs, just one of which was earned, on a pair of hits. He struck out four batters. He was replaced by A.J. Bazdanes (Nashua, N.H.) who pitched three innings without allowing a hit. Bazdanes struck out five batters. Jonathan Balentina (Willemstad, Curacao) pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up the win. He improves to 3-1 on the season.

Kevin Ferguson got the start for the Huskies and went four innings. He allowed one run on four hits while striking out three. He was replaced by Matt Cook. Cook went 3.2 innings and allowed one run on three hits. He was replaced by Sean Lyons who went a third of an inning and allowed three runs on one hit. He picks up the loss and falls to 0-1 on the season.

The Black Bears return to action on Saturday, May 14 when the Black Bears host Hartford for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3 PM.

Baseball:Maine sweeps Hartford

Keith Bilodeau (Bourne, Mass.) pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on two hits, as the University of Maine baseball team defeated Hartford 3-1 and 5-1 to sweep a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon in West Hartford, Conn. Maine improves to 12-19 on the season and evens its record in America East Conference play to 3-3. Hartford falls to 2-25-1 on the season and 0-5 in conference play.

In game one, Maine stuck first with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) was hit and then stole second base. Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) was also hit and Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) then singled up the middle scoring Fransoso. Leisenheimer then scored on a muffed throw by the first baseman, giving the Black Bears a 2-0 lead. Maine loaded the bases in the inning, but just score the two runs.

Hartford got on a board with a run in the bottom of the third inning. Brian Hunter walked and Victor Santana followed with a double to left field. Hunter scored on a Mark Sorbara sacrifice fly.

The Black Bears added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning when Fransoso hit a solo home run. It was the second home run of the season for Fransoso.

Bilodeau pitched his team-leading second complete game of the season. He improves to 4-2 on the campaign. He allowed just a pair of hits while striking out five batters.

Mike Thatcher threw a complete game for the Hawks as well. He allowed three runs on four hits while striking out a pair. He falls to 0-4 on the season.

In game 2, Maine hit three home runs en route to a 5-1 victory over Hartford to sweep the doubleheader.

Maine took a 1-0 lead when Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) homered to left field to lead off the game. For Fransoso, the home run was third of the season and second of the day, as he had belted a homer in the first game of the doubleheader as well.

Maine added a run in the top of the fourth inning. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) reached on a bunt single to third base. He stole second and scored when Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) hit a sacrifice fly.

Mike Connolly (Middleborough, Mass.) extended Maine's lead to 3-0 in the top of the fifth inning when he hit his first career home run.

Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) extended Maine's lead to 4-0 when he belted a solo home run to lead off the top of the sixth inning.

Hartford got a run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brendan Behm led off the inning with a walk. He moved to third when Mark Sorbara singled through the right side and scored when the Hawks hit into a double play.

Maine added to its lead with a run in the top of the eighth inning. Martin was hit and Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) followed with a single to third base. Martin advanced to second on the play. He scored when Justin Leisenheimer doubled down the right field line.

The Black Bears hit three home runs in the second game on Saturday against Hartford. Maine had entered the game having hit just 10 home runs in 30 games on the season.

Jeffrey Gibbs (Toronto, Ontario) was strong on the mound for the Black Bears. He went seven innings and allowed just one run on four hits while striking out three. He improves to 3-4 on the season. Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) replaced Gibbs. He went two innings and did not allow a hit while striking out two.

Alex Gouin went four innings on the mound for the Hawks. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one. He falls to 0-3 on the season. Hunter Englehart replaced Gouin. He went 2.1 innings and allowed a pair of runs on three hits. Kevin Veilleux went the final 2.2 innings. he allowed one run on three hits while striking out three.

The two teams finish their three-game America East series on Sunday, April 17 at 1 PM in West Hartford, Conn.

-UM-

Maine baseball postponed

The University of Maine baseball game, scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 against Colby, has been postponed due to impending rain. The game will be played on Tuesday, April 19 at 5 PM at Mahaney Diamond.

The Black Bears return to action on Saturday, April 9 when they travel to Stony Brook to open America East play. The Black Bears and Seawolves will play doubleheaders on both Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10 beginning at 12 noon.

For more information on Maine baseball, continue to check www.GoBlackBears.com.

UMaine baseball schedule changes

The University of Maine has announced additional changes to the baseball schedule for the weekend of April 2 and 3. The games scheduled for Saturday, April 2 have been postponed due to the snowstorm that is currently bearing down on eastern Maine.

Maine and Bryant are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Sunday, April 3 beginning at 12 noon. Continue to stay tuned for any additional changes.

Maine baseball games for this weekend re-scheduled

The University of Maine has announced a change in the baseball schedule for the weekend of April 9 and 10 due to the impending snow storm scheduled to hit Maine.

Friday's game against Bryant has been postponed. The two teams will now play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 PM. It will be a nine inning game followed by a seven inning game. On Sunday, the two teams will play a single game staring at 1 PM.

-UMaine Communication-

Maine's Coughlin named AE Rookie of the Week

University of Maine baseball pitcher Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) was named the America East Rookie of the Week on Monday.

In his first collegiate start, Coughlin pitched a complete game in Maine's 5-1 victory over St. Peter's on Sunday afternoon. He allowed just one run on five hits. He struck out eight batters in the game without walking anyone. He earned the first win of his career in the game in the game.

Coughlin has a 1.57 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 16 batters.

Maine returns to action on Friday, April 1 when it plays its home opener. The Black Bears will host Bryan for a three-game set. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

-UMaine Communications-

Black Bears earn some weekly awards

Michael Fransoso (Photo GoBlackBears.com)

Several University of Maine baseball players have received honors lately. Four different Black Bears were named to the 2011 Rollins College Baseball Week All-Tournament Team, while Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) was named the named the America East Rookie of the Week.

Whitten hit .400 last week for the Black Bears (10-for-25) with two runs scored and four RBI. His 10 hits were tops in America East. Whitten had three doubles on the week and drew a pair of walks. He went 2-for-3 with a RBI in Maine's game at #5 Florida State. He also earned a spot on the Rollins College Baseball Week All-Tournament team after hitting .407 in seven games with four runs scored and a team-high seven RBI, including a pair of home runs.

Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) was named to the All-Tournament Team as an outfielder and was also named most valuable player. Lewis his .393 in seven games with a team-high 10 runs scored and six RBI. He had 11 hits, a pair of doubles and two home runs. He drew six walks and was a perfect 2-for-2 in stolen bases.

Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) was named to the All-Tournament Team as a middle infielder. Fransoso saw action in all seven games in the tournament. He drew six walks and scored six runs for the Black Bears. He also drove in five runs for Maine.

Jeffrey Gibbs (Toronto, Ontario) was named to the All-Tournament team as a pitcher. He finished 2-0 with a 2.92 earned run average. He pitched 12.1 innings and struck out a team-high 14 batters.

The Black Bears return to action on Friday, March 18 when they travel to Rider for a four-game series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 3 PM.

--BLACK BEARS COMMUNICATIONS--

UMaine baseball swept by Florida St

The University of Maine dropped a 9-3 decision at #5 Florida State on Wednesday afternoon in Tallahassee, Fla. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine), Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) and Mike Connolly (Middleborough, Mass.) each had a pair of his in the game.

Maine falls to 3-11 on the season, while Florida State improves to 12-1.

Devon Travis belted a home to lead off the bottom of the first inning and give the Seminoles an early 1-0 lead. FSU added five runs in the bottom of the second inning. Travis had a two-run double in the inning. The Seminoles added to their lead in the bottom of the third when Stuart Tapley homered to left field. FSU extended its lead to 9-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning with a pair of runs.

Maine got on the board in the top of the sixth inning. Connolly led off the inning with a single to right center and advanced to second when Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) grounded out. He scored when Joey Martin doubled down the right field line. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) followed with a single to third base and Martin advanced to third. Martin scored when Whitten singled to center field.

Maine closed the scoring with a run in the top of the ninth inning. Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) reached on an error and scored when Connolly singled to third base.

Stephen Perakslis (Abington, Mass.) got the start on the mound for the Black Bears and allowed a home run in the first inning before striking out the side. He falls to 0-3 on the season. Joe Miller (Valley Stream, N.Y.) went a third of an inning and allowed five runs on five hits. Kyle Benoit (Brampton, Ontario) went two innings and allowed three runs on a pair of hits. Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) scattered three hits over 3.2 innings. Whitten pitched the eighth and did not surrender a hit.

Hunter Scantling was one of five pitchers for the Seminoles. He went five innings and allowed just two hits while striking out three. He picks up the win and improves to 1-0 on the season.

Maine will have a day off tomorrow, before returning to action on Friday, March 11. The Black Bears will face Georgetown at 3 PM, before playing host Rollins at 6 PM.

--UM COMMUNICATIONS--

SATURDAY QUICK LINKS

Maine Senior QB Mike Brusko

• Article pre-viewing The Maine Black Bears Football Season. Don’t forget, The CMSB will be right there in Orono for the matchup against Cloud St. We will bringing you lots of coverage brought to you by MBR.ORG.
• The Lewiston MAINEiacs beat Shawinigan 4 – 1 in a pre-season tilt.
• The Portland Sea Dogs opened up a series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats with a 6 – 2 loss in NH. Saturday’s double header has already been scrapped, moving it to Sunday, due to the tropical storm. Dice K will now be scheduled to pitch the 1st game for the Sea Dogs at 4PM Sunday.
• New England Patriots Nation holding it’s collective breath as Tom Brady leaves the game in the start of the 3rd quarter and is nowhere to be found postgame. Oh yeah the Patriots won 27 – 24
• The Boston Red Sox weathered Josh Beckett’s storm and beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6 – 5 Friday Night.

MONDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Danny Menendez after his record breaking stolen base. (COURTESY BANGOR DAILY NEWS)

• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team will need help to make the America East playoffs. Maine Swept Binghamton on Saturday, but Binghamton turned the same trick Sunday 4 - 3 in 11 innings in Game 1 and 4 - 0 in Game 2. Vermont plays UMBC in what is Vermont's last regular season game ever.
• The Portland Sea Dogs postponed their Monther's Day game Sunday to be made up as part of a single admission double header on July 1st. They did get in their 5K run!
• Big Baby Davis nailed a last second 20 ft jumper to beat the Orlando Magic 95 - 94. Let it soak in..Big Baby drained a 20 footer in a play that was not designed for him to take the last second shot.(Editor's note:No word on if he went to Disney Land to ride the kiddie rides after wards)
  
• Jason Bay comes through for the Red Sox once again, doubling home the go ahead. Johnathan Paplebon, after allowing a walk and a single in the 9th, struck out the side to close out the 4 - 3 win over Tampa Bay
• The Boston Bruins finally played like the Boston Bruins and blasted the Carolina Hurricanes 4 - 0 in Game 5 at the Garden. Carolina had no answer, other than cheap shots and rough stuff to try and combat the Bruins attack. Game 6 is Tuesday on Carolina where the Hurricanes will try and close out the 3 - 2 Series.

SUNDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

It was 39 years ago today

• The University of Maine Black Bears Baseball Team finished off a sweep of #1 Binghamton at Orono Saturday. Maine pitching held Binghamton to a total of 10 hits over the 2 games, beating Binghamton 11 - 2 and 2 - 0 in the nightcap. Maine plays another double header today against Binghamton.
• The Boston Red Sox were pummelled by Tampa Bay 14 - 5
• The Boston Bruins try to start a historic comback from the Garden tonight on the 39th Anniversary of the Greatest Goal in Boston Bruins History..Bobby Orr of course. The Bruins are trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 3 - 1 in the semi final series

WEDNESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Eric Staal scores game winner against the Devils/Courtesy ESPN

• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team took home a mid week win against in state Thomas, 10 - 2.
• The University of Maine Men's Hockey Team announces 2009-2010 commitments.
• The Carolina Hurricanes scored 2 goals in the last 1:08 of the 3rd period to beat the New Jersey Devils 4 - 3. The Whalers will now face the Boston Bruins in the 2nd round at 7:30 Friday Night.
• The Portland Sea Dogs used a Bubba Bell walk off single to beat the Binghamton Mets 9 - 8 Tuesday night at Hadlock Field.
• The Boston Celtics went into overtime again to finally beat the Chicago Bulls 106 - 104. Paul Pierce scored the last 6 points to give the Celtics a 3 - 2 lead in the best of 7 series.
• The Boston Red Sox 11 game winning streak is over. Just as it seemed another extra innings affair was upon Sox fans, Javier Lopez dropped the ball on a play at 1st which allowed the Cleveland Indians to win the game 9 - 8.

TUESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Jason Bay after his 3 run HR/Courtesy Boston.com

• The Boston Red Sox won their 11th straight game dispatching the Cleveland Indians, 3 - 1 in Cleveland. Tim Wakefield pitched another gem, throwing 7 shoutout innings allowing only 1 hit.


• University of Maine Baseball team takes on Thomas College today


• 2 NHL series have Game 7's tonight deciding the Boston Bruins next opponent. Tim Thomas was named a Vezina Trophy Finalist

SUNDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

BRUINS AND HABS MIXING IT UP (COURTESY BOSTON.COM)

• The Portland Sea Dogs handled the Binghamton Mets easily Saturday in Binghamton 12 - 4. Lars Anderson and Jorge Jimenez had 4 hits apiece for the Sea Dogs.
• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team swept UMBC in a double header in Orono 6 -1 and 7 - 3.
• The Maine Softball team split a double header in Orono with Hartford, losing the opener 2 - 1 and winning the nightcap 3 - 0.
• The Portland Pirates take on the Providence Bruins Sunday in Game 3 of their 7 Game Series at the CX4. Don't forget The CMSB Live Blog from the game!
• The Boston Bruins manhandled the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night 5 - 1. Marc Savard scored 2 power play goals to pace the Bruins offense.
• Bruins player Matt Hunwick had his spleen removed after leaving practice in an ambulence today.
• The Boston Celtics were stunned by the Chicago Bulls 105 - 103 in overtime at the TD Banknorth Garden. Paul Pierce missed a crutial free throw at the end of regulation and Derrick rose scored 36 points in the Bulls win.
• The Boston Red Sox held on to beat the Baltimore Orioles 8 - 6.
• The NFL announced the suspension of former Maine Black Bear Football player Daren Stone for 4 games. Reason undisclosed.
  

TUESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Argenis Diaz comes to the plate Monday night (Photo CMSB/Pierre's of Exchange St)

• The Portland Sea Dogs blasted the New Britain Rock Cats 10 - 6 Monday Night.
• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team swept a double header from Hartford 14 - 1 and 14 - 2.
• The Boston Red Sox lost to the Oakland A's 8 - 2. Nomar Garciaparra hit a HR in his 1st action against his former team since being traded in 2004. The Sox also announced they are placing Jed Lowrie on the 15 Day DL due to a wrist injury.
• Former Detroit Tiger Phenom and Massachusetts native Mark "The Bird" Fidrych died of an apparent accident while repairing a vehicle on his farm. He was just 54.
• The Boston Celtics announced that KG will not be back before the playoffs.

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

Mathieu Darche has big day for Pirates (Courtesy Portland Pirates)

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DON'T FORGET...TODAY...12 NOON AT CHICAGO DOGS, 285 US ROUTE 1, AS MATTY AND JEFF DO A LIVE PODCAST IN THE LEADUP TO BOSTON RED SOX BASEBALL AT 2:05!! DON'T MISS OUT!

• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team wrapped up a solid weekend blasting Iona 4 straight. Brewer's Kevin McAvoy collected his 200th hit in today's 11 - 0 win.
• The Softball team finished the weekend on a strong note, beatin Stony Brook 2 - 0.
• The Portland Pirates made 1 more big leap forward by beating the Springfield Falcons 6 - 4 at the CX4 Sunday afternoon. Mathieu Darche had 2 goals for the Pirates in the win. The Pirates are now in 3rd Place with a 1 point lead over the Worcester Sharks and a 4 point lead over the Mancester Monarchs. The Pirates play both teams in this final week of play. The Pirates return home Friday to play fierce rival Providence Bruins.
• The New England Patriots did some salary cap tweaking with James Sanders and Mike Wright.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

PHOTO COURTESY BOSTON.COM

The University of Maine Baseball team drops a game to Bryant 9 - 3 Tuesday Afternoon.

The University of Maine announced that the Men's Hockey Team will open its 2009 - 10 home schedule October 16th and 17th against the Michigan State Spartans. Maine and Michigan State have taken turns knocking each other out of the NCAA Playoffs the last 2 times they met in 2006 and 2007.

South Portland High Great Brett Brown, son of Maine Coaching great Bob Brown, was named Head Coach of the 2012 Austrailian Olympic Basketball Team.

The Boston Bruins had little difficulty man handling former Portland Pirate Mike McKenna and the Tampa Bay Lightning 3 - 1

The Boston Celtics say Kevin Garnett is not ready to play, so he is shut down for the foreseeable future.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

PHOTO COURTESY STATEN ISLAND LIVE.COM

The Maine Black Bears Baseball team split a double header against Wagner Monday, losing the opener 9 - 7 but beat Wagner 6 - 2 in the nightcap.

Terry Francona had decided to share 1 tidbit about his batting order this season, JD Drew will be the number 5 hitter. Tony Massarotti reports on what that might mean for the rest of the order.

Former Boston Bruins great Ray Bourque's son Ryan will withdraw his verbal commitment to play at The University of New Hampshire and instead play for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. Expect to see Bourque at the Colisee next year.