Maine Baseball wins America East Championship

Photo GoBlackBears.com

The University of Maine baseball team won three straight game to win the 2011 America East Baseball Tournament on Friday afternoon in Stony Brook, N.Y. The Black Bears earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2006 season. Maine defeated Albany 10-1 on Friday afternoon in the championship game. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) was named the Most Outstanding Player.

The Black Bears improve to 32-22 on the season. The Black Bears have now won 17 of 18. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.), Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia), Keith Bilodeau (Bourne, Mass.) and  Lewis were all named to the America East All-Tournament Team.

Maine led off the top of the first inning with a double to center field by Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.). He moved to third on a Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) sacrifice bunt and scored when Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) reached on an error.

Albany tied the game in the bottom of the second inning when Ralph Rizzo homered over the left field fence.

Maine regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning with four runs. Martin led off the inning with a bunt single and moved to second on a wild pitch. He advanced to third on a Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) sacrifice bunt and scored on a Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) sacrifice fly to right field. Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia), Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) and Colin Gay (Franklin, Mass.) drew back-to-back-to-back walks to load the bases. Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) was hit to force home Calbick. Lewis followed with a two-run single, giving Maine a 5-1 lead.

Maine added to its lead in the top of the seventh inning. Martin led off the inning with a single to right field. Patzalek followed and reached on an bunt single. He advanced to second on an error while Martin moved to third. Justin Leisenheimer followed with a home run over the left field fence, extending Maine's lead to 8-1. Ian Leisenheimer homered over the left fence later in the inning and Maine extended its lead to 9-1.

Fransoso tripled in the top of the ninth inning and then scored when Joey Martin singled to extend Maine's lead to 10-1.

Stephen Perakslis (Abington, Mass.) got the start on the mound for the Black Bears and was outstanding. He went 7.1 innings and allowed one run on three hits while striking out eight. He improves to 6-4 on the season. Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) pitched the final 1.2 innings. He did not allow a hit.

Matt Dybus got the start on the mound for Albany. He went 3.2 innings and allowed five runs on three hits. He walked five Maine batters and falls to 0-1 on the season. He was replaced by Greg Lutton. Lutton went 2.2 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits. He was replaced by Austin Chase. Chase went 1.2 innings. Terry McFadden pitched the final inning.

The Black Bears will find out their NCAA Tournament fate on Monday, May 30. The selection show will be televised at 12:30 PM on ESPN.

-UNIVERSITY OF MAINE-

Maine sweeps double header from UMBC

Jonathan Balentina pitches 5 1/3 for a win (Photo GoBlackBears.com)

The University of Maine baseball team swept a doubleheader from UMBC on Saturday afternoon winning the first game 4-0, before taking the second game 11-5. Rookie Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) led the Black Bears on the day as he 3-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI. He belted a three-run home run in the first game for the Black Bears.
In the first game, Maine took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) led off the game with a single through the right side. He then stole second and third and scored on a Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) sacrifice fly.

Alex Calbick gave Maine a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when he belted a three-run home run over the right field fence.  Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) had singled and twin brother, Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) drew a walk ahead of Calbick's home run. It was the second homer of the season for Calbick.

Keith Bilodeau (Bourne, Mass.) had another outstanding performance on the mound for the Black Bears. He pitched his fourth straight complete game and scattered just five hits while striking out five.  It is his second straight shutout. He improves to 6-2 on the season.

Mike Mitchell went all six innings for UMBC. He allowed four runs on eight hits. He falls to 1-8 on the season.

In the second game, UMBC jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Brian Klukowicz doubled and Kevin Kean followed with a single. Both runners scored when Jason Allinder hit a home run over the left field fence. Rob McCabe singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Michael Pesci reached on an error.

Maine answered in the bottom of the frame. Calbick singled to center field and scored when Mike Connolly (Middleborough, Mass.) doubled to the left field fence. Connolly scored when Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) singled up the middle.

Maine took the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) singled, stole second, advanced to third on a balk and scored on a Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) fielder's choice. Martin scored when Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) doubled down the left field line. Patzalek scored when Calbick hit a sacrifice fly.

The Black Bears added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Connolly singled and stole second. He advanced to third when Lewis flew out. Fransoso walked and then stole second base. Both runners scored when Martin had an infield single and then advanced to second on an error.

UMBC got a run in the top of the fifth inning. Max Himmelstein singled and scored on a passed ball.

Maine answered right back. Justin Leisenheimer singled to third base and scored when Colin Gay (Franklin, Mass) belted his first career triple down the left field line.

The Black Bears scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Gay singled and Connolly followed with a double. Both runners scored when Black singled to right center field. Maine capped the scoring with a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) was hit and scored when Justin Leisenheimer doubled down the left field line.

Connolly finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Gay also had three hits in the game for the Black Bears.
Jeffrey Gibbs (Toronto, Ontario) went three innings. He allowed four runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits. He struck out three. Jonathan Balentina (Willemstad, Curacao) replaced Gibbs. He went 5.1 innings and allowed just one unearned run on one hit. He struck out six batters and picks up the victory. He improves to 2-1 on the season. Joe Miller (Valley Stream, N.Y.) retired the final two batters of the game in order.

Sean Swetnam went four innings for UMBC. He allowed seven runs, six of which were earned, on eight hits. He falls to 1-5 on the season. He was replaced by Josh Dick who went one inning and allowed one run on two hits. Sam Bashioum went one inning and did not allow a hit. Steve Miller went one inning and allowed two runs on four hits. He was replaced by Shane Vlasic who allowed one run on a pair of hits.

Maine and UMBC finish their four-game America East series with a doubleheader on Sunday, May 1. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.
-UNIVERSITY OF MAINE-

Maine Baseball finally plays home game, defeats Colby 4-2

Joey Martin (Maine 1B) sparks Black Bears (Photo GoBlackBears.com)

After 32 games on the road, the University of Maine baseball team played its home-opener on Tuesday night and defeated Colby 4-2. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) had three hits and an RBI for the Black Bears in the win. Maine improves to 13-20 on the season with the win, while Colby falls to 10-15.

Maine struck with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.), who had two hits and scored two runs in the game, singled through the right side. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) followed with a single to third base. Martin also singled to load the bases. Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) was hit-by-a-pitch forcing home Fransoso. Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) hit a sacrifice fly plating Lewis. Leisenheimer scored the third run of the inning when Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) got caught in a run down.

Colby got on the board with a run in the top of the third inning. Richard Newton walked and scored when Brendan Gallagher doubled to left field.

The Black Bears tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Fransoso led off the inning with a single. He then stole second and advanced to third on a Lewis sacrifice bunt. Martin then flew out to center field scoring Fransoso.

Colby added a run in the top of the ninth inning. John Lerner, who pinch hit for Nathan Ellis, singled to center field and scored when Nikolas Atsalis singled to right field. Brandon Nieuw, who had walked, was stranded on third base.

Jonathan Balentina (Willemstad, Curacao) allowed just one run on four hits over four innings. He struck out seven batters and picks up the victory. He moves to 1-1 on the season. Stephen Perakslis (Abington, Mass.) went two innings and did not allow a run on three hits. He struck out three. Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) went 2.1 innings. He allowed one run on a pair of hits. D.J. Voisine (Plainville, Conn.) got the final two outs to earn his second save of the season.

Dakota Rabbitt went five innings for Colby. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out one. He falls to 1-1 on the season. Greg Ladd pitched the final three innings. He allowed one run on three hits.

Maine returns to action on Saturday, April 23 when it hosts Albany for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM.
-UNIVERSITY OF MAINE-

Maine Baseball sweeps a pair Sunday

The University of Maine baseball team swept a pair of games on Sunday afternoon in the Fairleigh Dickinson Tournament. The Black Bears defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 5-1 in the first game of the day and followed that up with a 5-1 victory over St. Peter's in the second game. Maine improves to 9-16 on the season with the wins.

After four scoreless innings in the first game, Maine got on the board in the top of the fifth inning. Mike Connolly (Middleborough, Mass.) singled up the middle and advanced to second base on a balk. He moved to third on a Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) bunt single and scored when Eric White (Brewer, Maine) singled to the pitcher.

Fairleigh Dickinson tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the frame. Jonathan Torres reached on a fielder's choice and then stole second. He scored when Matt Holsman singled.

Maine then scored four runs in the top of the sixth inning. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) led off the inning with a triple and Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) followed with a triple scoring Martin. Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) singled, driving home Justin Leisenheimer. Calbick moved to second on a Colin Gay (Franklin, Mass.) sacrifice bunt and then stole third base. He scored when Connolly had an RBI single. Connolly then stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on an error.

Stephen Perakslis (Abington, Mass.) got the start on the mound for the Black Bears in the first game. He went seven innings and allowed one run on seven hits. He struck out three batters and improves to 2-4 on the season.

Matt Cadigan started for the Knights. He went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out five. He falls to 0-3 on the season. He was replaced by Zach Kisling who went 2.2 innings. He allowed one run on a pair of hits. Spencer Kelly pitched the ninth for the Knights and allowed just one hit.

In the second game, rookie Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) pitched a complete game to lead Maine to the victory. St. Peter's took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning when Russ Stupienski and Chris Grimes had back-to-back singles. Stupienski scored the first run of the game when Brian Schroeder grounded into a double play.

Maine took the lead in the bottom of the inning. Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) reached on an error and then advanced to second base. Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) and Martin drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Calbick then had a two-run single through the right side.

Maine added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Pat Thibodeau (Caribou, Maine) walked and Lewis followed with a single and then advanced to second, while Thibodeau advanced to third. Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) hit a sacrifice fly scoring Thibodeau. Lewis also scored on the play on an error. Maine made it a 5-1 final with a run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Lewis drew a walk to lead off the inning. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Patzalek singled up the middle.

Coughlin pitched the complete game, the first of the season for the Black Bears. He allowed just one run on five hits over nine innings. He struck out eight batters in the game and improves to 1-0 on the season and lowers his team-best ERA to 1.57.

Joe Jimenez got the start and picked up the loss for St. Peter's. He went 4.1 innings and allowed three runs on just one hit, while walking six. Kevin Croucher pitched 2.2 innings, while Michael Martucci pitched the final frame.

After 25 games on the road, the Black Bears will play their Mahaney Diamond opener on Friday, April 1 when they host Bryant at 3:30 PM. Maine will also host the Bulldogs both Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM.

-Maine Baseball-

UMaine baseball splits on Saturday

The University of Maine baseball team defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 4-1 on Saturday evening in a game played in Jersey City, N.J. Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) had a three-run triple in the game, while A.J. Bazdanes (Nashua, N.H) picked up his first win of the season with eight strong innings on the mound.. Maine improves to 7-16 on the season with the win, while FDU falls to 4-12.

Fairleigh Dickinson took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Ryan Kresky singled up the middle and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored when DJ Robinson singled to center field.

Maine answered with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) singled to center field and Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) followed with a double down the right field line. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) drew a walk to load the bases. Ian Leisenheimer then cleared the bases with a three-run triple, giving Maine a 3-1 lead. Leisenheimer then scored when Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) hit a sacrifice fly. Later in the inning, Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) also tripled for the Black Bears.

Bazdanes was impressive for the Black Bears, as he went eight innings. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven. He improves to 1-2 on the season. D.J. Voisine (Plainville, Conn.) pitched the ninth. He allowed just one hit and picks up his first save of the season.

Nick Melchiore went five innings on the mound for FDU. He allowed four runs on six hits. Robinson pitched the final three innings and allowed just one hit.

Maine returns to action on Sunday, March 27 when it faces FDU at 10:30. The Black Bears will them face St. Peter's at 1:30. All games will be played in Jersey City, N.J.

Fairleigh Dickinson took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Ryan Kresky singled up the middle and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored when DJ Robinson singled to center field.

Maine answered with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Troy Black (Mississauga, Ontario) singled to center field and Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) followed with a double down the right field line. Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) drew a walk to load the bases. Ian Leisenheimer then cleared the bases with a three-run triple, giving Maine a 3-1 lead. Leisenheimer then scored when Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) hit a sacrifice fly. Later in the inning, Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) also tripled for the Black Bears.

Bazdanes was impressive for the Black Bears, as he went eight innings. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven. He improves to 1-2 on the season. D.J. Voisine (Plainville, Conn.) pitched the ninth. He allowed just one hit and picks up his first save of the season.

Nick Melchiore went five innings on the mound for FDU. He allowed four runs on six hits. Robinson pitched the final three innings and allowed just one hit.

Maine returns to action on Sunday, March 27 when it faces FDU at 10:30. The Black Bears will them face St. Peter's at 1:30. All games will be played in Jersey City, N.J.

UMaine Baseball gets 8-3 Win

The University of Maine baseball team defeated Rider 8-3 on Sunday afternoon in the series finale in Lawrenceville, N.J. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) and Ian Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) each had a pair of hits and drove in two for the Black Bears in the victory. Maine improves to 6-15 on the season, while Rider falls to 10-8.

After two scoreless innings, the Black Bears took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine) singled to center field and then stole second base. He advanced to third when Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) grounded out and scored when Ian Leisenheimer singled to left field. Rider tied the game in the bottom of the inning. John Ralston walked and scored when Nick Crescenzo singled.

Maine regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Justin Leisenheimer (Middle Village, N.Y.) and Fransoso recorded back-to-back singles. Justin Leisenheimer scored when Martin singled to second base. Again, Rider tied the game in the bottom of the inning. Karl Johnston walked and scored when Ian Lindsay reached on a fielder's choice.

The game remained 2-2 until the top of the eighth inning when the Black Bears plated three runs. With two outs, Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) singled to left field. Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) followed with a RBI double. Justin Leisenheimer struck out, but reached on a wild pitch. Fransoso followed with a two-run double, scoring both Whitten and Justin Leisenheimer.

Rider countered with a run in the bottom of the eighth. Crescenzo doubled down the left field line and scored when A.J. Albee singled to center field.

Maine scored three more runs in the top of the ninth inning. Martin walked and Lewis followed with a bunt single. Ian Leisenheimer singled to left field and then advanced to second on the throw. Lewis advanced to third, while Martin scored. Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) reached on a fielder's choice and Lewis scored. Ian Leisenheimer scored when Patzalek hit a sacrifice fly.

Maine retired the side in order in the ninth inning to earn the 8-3 win.

Stephen Perakslis (Abington, Mass.) went seven strong innings on the mound for the Black Bears. He allowed two runs, just one of which was earned, on just two hits. He struck out six batters in the game and improves to 1-4 on the season. D.J. Voisine (Plainville, Conn.) pitched the final two innings. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out one.

Joe Calogero went 7.2 innings on the mound for Rider. He allowed three runs on nine hits while striking out four. He falls to 0-2 on the season. Jeff Giordano, Chris Taylor and Tyler Smith all saw action the mound for the Broncs.

Maine returns to action on Thursday, March 24 when it faces Sacred Heart in Bridgeport, Conn. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

Maine Baseball drops series opener against Rider

AJ Bazdanes (Photo GoBlackBears.com)

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- The University of Maine baseball team dropped a 3-2 decision at Rider University on Friday afternoon in the opener of a four-game series. Maine dips to 5-13 on the season, while Rider improves to 6-7. Joey Martin (Portland, Maine), Taylor Lewis (Montville, Conn.) and Eric White (Brewer, Maine) each had a pair of hits in the game for the Black Bears.

Rider jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Brandon Cotten singled to left field and advanced to both second and third on wild pitches. He scored when A.J. Albee doubled to left field. The Broncs added a run to their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Karl Johnston walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored when Albee singled up the middle.

Maine got on the board with a run in the top of the sixth inning. Fran Whitten (Westborough, Mass.) walked and Alex Calbick (Burnaby, British Columbia) followed with a single up the middle. Both runners advanced a base on a Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario) sacrifice bunt. Eric White then singled to left field scoring Whitten.

The Black Bears tied the game in the top of the seventh inning. Michael Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H.) singled to left center field and scored when Taylor Lewis tripled to right center.

Rider, however, regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. John Ralston doubled to left field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He scored on a Johnston sacrifice fly.

Maine threatened in the top of the ninth inning when Joey Martin advanced to third base with just one out, but he was stranded there.

A.J. Bazdanes (Nashua, N.H.) got the start for the Black Bears on the mound. He went 5.2 inning and allowed two runs on six hits. He struck out six batters in the game. He was replaced by Kevin Scanlan (Sudbury, Mass.) who went .2 of an inning. He allowed one run on one hit and picks up the loss. He falls to 0-1 on the season. Shaun Coughlin (Northfield, Conn.) pitched 1.2 of an inning and allowed just one hit while striking out three.

Mike Thomas went 6.1 innings on the mound for Rider. He allowed two runs on nine hits while striking out three. Chris Taylor went one inning and did not allow a hit. He picks up the victory and improves to 2-1 on the season. Tyler Smith earned his fourth save of the season in the game by allowing just one hit over 1.2 innings.

Maine and Rider will play a douleheader tomorrow in Lawrenceville, N.J. starting at 12 noon.

Sunday Morning Links

UMAINE SOFTBALL IN ACTION SATURDAY (COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MAINE)

Red Sox get a great start by Lackey and ride Youk and Scutaro's 3 run moonshots to a 7-3 win over the woeful birds of Baltimore at Fenway Park.

Patriots keep with the Florida and TE theme in day 3 of the 2010 draft.. Maybe they will use the tight end this year in the offense.. The full rundown of the entire 2010 Patriots draft is right here.. I hope Matty has not jumped off a bridge yet..

University of Maine Baseball team swept Hartford in Orono Saturday.

Maine Softball split a double header with UMBC Saturday in Orono.

Undrafted free agents agree to terms with Patriots.. Possibly more to come..

All high school scores and highlights can be found at mbr.org

SATURDAY'S ALRIGHT FOR BLOGGING DAILY LINKS

• Jon Lester looks good in 5 plus and Baltimore walks home the winning run as the Sox beat the Orioles 4 - 3....The Big Jab Bus Karma maybe?
• The Bruins got toasted in Buffalo and may or may not have lost Zdeno Chara to suspension for the next game. Former Portland Pirates Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe had big nights against the Bs.
• Paul Pierce drained a last second shot to put the C's 1 win away from moving on in the Eastern Conference.
• Super Sox prospect Casey Kelly allowed his 1st AA run to Trenton but settled down, allowing that lone run on four hits and one walk, while striking out three in 3 1/3 innings. The Thunder broke out for 7 runs late, beating the Sea Dogs 9 - 1 Friday night.
• The New England Patriots kept to their wheeling and dealing ways, getting 2 linebackers and a tight end on day 2 of the draft.
• The University of Maine Baseball and Softball teams return to Orono for double headers Saturday.
• Maine High School scores HERE on MBR.ORG!

Tuesday Morning Links

Casey Kelly goes 2 innings allowing only one unearned run in his AA debut. Dogs win 8 - 2.

Twins open up in new ballpark with a 5-2 win over the Red Sox.

Red Sox hold out Jacoby Ellsbury with bruised ribs.

LSU RB Charles Scott visits Pats among others...

For the 3rd straight week 2 Maine Baseball players get America East honors.

Thursday Morning Links #BlackBearHoops #MaineBaseball #PortlandSeaDogs

Jonathan Papelbon couldn't hold the Yankees

                             

The Portland Sea Dogs open the 2010 Season in Reading toady. Follow along at Portland Sea Dogs.com

Lackey is lights out, but the defense let's the Sox down again as they fall to the Yankees 3-1 in extra innings at  Fenway.

Celtics claw  there way past the Raptors 115-104 north of the border..

Florida center could be option for Patriots.

University of Maine Baseball beats up on Thomas 20 - 0.

2 UMaine Men's Basketball players leave team. 

UMF falls to 0-10 with a 14-1 loss to Colby.

Kiss Your Baby Day Links

FORMER LEWISTON MAINEIAC JONATHAN BERNIER EARNS 1ST NHL SHUTOUT
(PHOTO JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI)

Kelly look impressive as the Sox and Rays tie 9-9 in spring training action.

Talks with Beckett remain positive.

University of Maine Baseball and Softball players earn weekly America East Awards.

Red sox sign Cuban OF Jordan Pardon.

Tazawa could need elbow surgery.

Patriots intrested in Tim Tebow?

Bruins give the Devils a devil of a time 1-0 in New Jersey.

Former Maineiacs goalie Jonathan Bernier posted his first career shutout against Nashville.

SUNDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

51ST OVERALL PICK BIDDEFORD'S BRIAN DUMOULIN (COURTESY CAROLINA HURRICANES)

• The Portland Sea Dogs beat the New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3 - 1 in New Hampshire. In other Sea Dog News, Mark Wagner gets the call to Pawtucket.
• The High School Senior All Star Classic was held at St Joes in Standish on Saturday
• The University of Maine's Baseball Alumni held a dinner to honor Legendary Coach John Winkin. You can hear Bill Swift of South Portland discuss Coach Winkin from our interview on The Big Jab Weekend Warm-Up
• Tim Wakefield got his 10th win helping to shut out the Atlanta Braves 1 - 0.
• Loudon Hew Hampshire is home to the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 TODAY.

WEDNESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Big Papi slamming hs 4th HR of the season (COURTESY BOSTON.COM)

• Here are your Maine High School scores..Eastern Maine and Western Maine

• The Portland Sea Dogs returned home Tuesday, beating the Erie SeaWolves 5 - 0. Sea Dogs Catcher Mark Wagner continues to excel going 2-3 with a sac fly.

• Pete Warner of the Bangor Daily News keeps tabs on where the Maine Baseball team has spread out to since the season has been over.

• Tim Wakefield may have solidified his 1st All Star bid by handling the Florida Marlins 8 - 2 Tuesday at Fenway. David oritz hit his 4th HR in 9 games helping the Sox bat around in the 2nd inning.
  
• John Smoltz makes a rehab start tonight for the PawSox. Clay Buchholz will follow Smoltz out of the pen.
• Sammy Sosa, whom the CMSB had on their list of the "other 103 players", was found to be on the list with A-Rod. Please, hold your surprise. 102 to go...
  

THURSDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

• The Maine Black Bears Baseball team had little trouble finishing off Holy Cross today in Sanford 10 - 4.
• The Boston Red Sox went extra innings again, beating the Cleveland Indians 6 - 5 in 10 innings. Jonathan Van Every hit his 1st Major League HR for the game winning hit in the Top of the 10th
• The University of Maine Football Team released it's schedule for the 2009 season.
• Today we will be speaking with Colby graduate and current Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta and UMaine quarterback Mike Brusko. Audio will be posted as soon as possible after each.
  

WEDNESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Rain Rain at Fenway, go away! (Courtesy BBC)

• Various University of Maine teams announce 2009 recruiting class signings. Men's Basketball and Baseball announce signings
• Ian Leisenheimer was named America East Rookie of the Week for the 3rd time this season.
• The Portland Sea Dogs were rained out for the 2nd night in a row Tueday in New Britain CT. This will shorten the series to a 1 game series to be played this morning at 10:35AM. The Sea Dogs return home Thursday night.
• The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins were rained out Tuesday. The game will be madeup as part of a day night double header on Wednesday.
• Jed Lowrie had sugery on his ailing wrist and should be back by the All Star break.
• The Red Sox placed Rocco Baldelli on the 15 Day DL with an aggrivated Hamstring Strain.
• Leon Powe is out for the season with a torn ACL.
• The Portland Pirates prepare for Thursday's Game 4 at the CX4 in Portland.
• The Boston Bruins take on the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday Night with a chance to sweep Montreal out of the playoffs.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

PHOTO COURTESY BOSTON.COM

The University of Maine Baseball team dropped a tough match to Wagner, 5 - 4 on Staten Island, NY

The Portland Pirates solidified their playoff position, beating the Lowell Devils 3 - 2. Don't miss tonights game at the Cumberland County Civic Center as the Pirates face off against the Manchester Monarchs. The Pirates will be wearing throwback Mariners Uniforms tonight!(editor's note:You can also interact with Matty, who will be in the stands watching the game. He will even take pictures and sign autographs.)

The Boston Celtics, without a resting Kevin Garnett, used Big Baby for a big game, beating the Atlanta Hawks 99 - 93 in Atlanta.

Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOSTON GLOBE.COM

The Maine Black Bears Baseball team took it to Georgetown in FLA today 11 - 7. Pat Quinn threw 7 innings of relief with 7 K's for Maine

The Black Bear Softball team split 2 games today, beating Sacred Heart 1 - 0 and lost SIU Edwardsville 3 - 2 to break the winning streak at 10 games.

A very shorthanded Boston Celtics put up a valiant fight against the Miami Heat, finally losing 107 - 99. Leon Powe played almost 43 minutes and scored 23 points.

Boston University fired it's Men's Basketball coach, Dennis Wolff, after 15 seasons with the team. BU lost in the 1st Round of the America East playoffs 79 - 75 to UMBC in overtime.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

Photo Courtesy of Cy Cyr and The Bangor Daily News

The University of Maine Black Bears baseball team dropped a heartbreaker to Rollins College 4 - 3

The Black Bears Softball team runs its winning streak to 9 games by winning 2 games on Tuesday. The Black Bears beat Penn in the opener 6 - 4 and Bryant 10 - 4 in the afternoon game.

The Portland Pirates missed a chance to gain some playoff ground, losing to the Binghamton Senators 3 -1 on a rare Tuesday night tilt.

In World Baseball Classic news, The Netherlands beat the Dominican Republic 2 - 1 in 11 innings Tuesday. Former Maine Black Black Bear Curt Smith moved the tying run to third and Eugene Kingsale atoned for his error in the top of the 11th by singling in the trying run and scoring the winning run.

The Boston Bruins offense takes leave yet again, losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets 2 - 0 in Columbus.

Mike Lowell got back into the swing of things for the Sox yesterday with no problems reported. Clay Buchholz has a good couple of innings in the 5 - 1 loss to Baltimore.

The New England Patriots secondary is going to look very different in 2009 as they signed Leigh Bodden to a contract on Tuesday.

The UConn Women take home yet another Big East Championship beating #5 Louisville Cardinals 75 - 36

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

Photo Courtesy of Cy Cyr and The Bangor Daily News

The Maine Black Bears Baseball team swept a double header from Penn 5 - 2 and 9 - 5. Ian Leisenheimer tied a Black Bear record with 2 triples in game 1.

The Boston Globe is reporting Mike Lowell will be starting today's Spring Training game against the Baltimore Orioles. Lowell has been taking it easy this spring recovering from his torn labrum surgery.