Wednesday, September 23, 2009

May Brilliant in Wolverines’ Win

In the finest pitching performance of the 2009 fall season, Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) tossed a masterful one-hitter as the Wolverine baseball team rolled to its ninth win in a row, defeating the Seawolves of Southern Maine Community College by the score of 3-0. May threw eighty-four pitches and faced just twenty-two batters over seven innings as he retired the Seawolves in order in first, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings en route to his third win of the season. Striking out only four SMCC batters, the crafty righty was supported by a stellar effort by the entire Wolverine defense. Offensively, BA scored all the runs they needed in the first inning as Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT), Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA), and Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) all singled, plating Stauber, Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA), and MacInnes. The Wolverine will now prepare for Fairfield University (1:00) and Holy Cross College (4:00) in the NECBA Showcase this Sunday in Lynn, MA.

#1 Dustin Brown swings at a pitch Wednesday in Bridgton's 3-0 win against SMCC

Zach Vouros collects a throw at first base

Gabe May delivers a pitch Wednesday, during his complete game, one-hit shutout of SMCC

Coach Smith looks on as his team has now won nine in a row

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wolverines Sweep UNH in Thriller, 6-5

Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) pitched masterfully, striking out a season high ten UNH batters, as the BA Wolverines completed a doubleheader sweep of the University of New Hampshire. Brown held the Wildcats a bay for six innings, yielding just one unearned run while setting at least one batter down on strikes in every inning. BA scored a single run in the second, two in the third, and one in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead into the seventh inning. But the Wildcats would not go away. Taking advantage of a tiring Brown, UNH answered the bell as they scored four runs to take a 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA) led off with a single to center. With two outs, Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) was intentionally walked. Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) singled to left, scoring Varounis with the tying run. Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) then ripped a sharp grounder to the second baseman who misplayed the ball, scoring MacInnes with the winning run. The win puts BA atop of the Northern Conference standings with a record 5-0, 8-0 overall. The Wolverines get a well deserved day off tomorrow before prepping for their next home game Wednesday against Southern Maine Community College.

Wolverines Rally, Nip Wildcats, 8-7

Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) came in relief of Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) in just the second inning, but once again, slammed the door, giving the Wolverines the chance to storm back to take the first game of big conference doubleheader by the score of 8-7. Down 6-2 in the second, the Wolverines came storming back with five runs in the bottom of the inning as they went small ball scoring two runs on consecutive suicide bunts by Zack Vouros (St. Charles, IL) and Whittemore to take the lead, 7-6. But the Wildcats pushed across a single run in the top of the sixth to knot the score at seven, setting up the dramatic bottom of the seventh. Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) led things off with a sharp single to left. A Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) walk and Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) single loaded the bases with no outs. With one out and UNH expecting another squeeze bunt, Whittemore took a 2-2 pitch and drove a single to left, scoring Gummow with the winning run. Now 7-0, the Wolverines look for a sweep over the perennial NECBA powerhouse in the second game.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Wolverines Sink Navy Prep, 8-6

The BA Wolverine baseball team rolled to its sixth win in a row, downing Navy Prep by the score of 8-6. The Wolverines quickly erased a 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs on a Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) triple and doubles by Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) and Drew Gummow (Brookline, MA). BA hurler Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) toed the rubber, going four innings and striking out five to pick up his second win of the season. Navy Prep made the game interesting in the fourth as they plated three runs to close the BA lead to two runs, but a solid relief effort from Dustin Brown (Falmouth, MA) kept the fire from spreading. Both teams traded runs in the final two frames. BA’s final run came on a well-executed suicide squeeze by Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA), that scored MacInnes who had tripled. MacInnes was the big offensive gun for the home team as he smacked two doubles and two triples in four plate appearances. The Wolverines have no time to rest as they gear up for a big conference doubleheader tomorrow at Dolman Diamond against the University of New Hampshire.








Friday, September 18, 2009

Wolverines Eek Out Gutsy 3-2 Win

Sparked by an inspirational pitching performance by lefty Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA), the BA Wolverines, down 2-0 in the first inning, scored single runs in the third, fourth, and seventh innings to win their fifth game in dramatic fashion over the Mustangs of Central Maine Community College by the score of 3-2. Whittemore faced seven batters in the home half of the first, giving up two runs on three hits in what had all the making for a long night for the Wolverines. From that point on, the crafty lefty slammed the door on the Mustangs, yielding just four hits. The BA defense played virtually errorless ball the entire game, with shortstop Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) and second baseman Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) turning in stellar performances.

BA broke ahead in the top of the seventh with one out as Billingham singled to center. After a Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) out, Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) singled to center. Then designated hitter Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) promptly drove a single to right, scoring Billingham on a very close play at the plate. Whittemore retired the sides in the seventh to pick up his second win of the season. Now 5-0, the Wolverines prepare for home game with Navy Prep on Saturday and a key NECBA conference doubleheader against the University of New Hampshire on Sunday.

Will Whittemore, delivered a complete game gem for the Wolverines

Tom MacInnes sparked a two out rally in the 7th

Monday, September 14, 2009

BA Starts Slow, Finishes Fast, Tops UNE, 16-6

Showing the effects of a long bus ride the day before was evident as the BA Wolverine baseball team found themselves on the short side of 5-2 score after two and a half innings at the hands of NECBA opponent, the University of New England. But the cobwebs lifted in the third inning, as the Wolverines pushed across three runs on RBI singles by Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) and Zach Vouros (St. Charles, IL) to tie the score at five. Base hits by Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) and Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) loaded the bases for Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) who took a two-strike pitch deep and long to right field for a grand slam home run, punctuating a nine-run third and an 11-5 lead. BA hurler Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) gave up just one run in the first two frames before running into problems in the third, but rebounded well in the fourth, slamming the door on UNE with the bases loaded. John Doyle (Cockeysville, MD) pitched well in relief as the Wolverines added two runs in the fourth and three in the fifth on a bases-clearing double by Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) to win this one going away, 16-6. The 4-0 Wolverines get a much needed rest as they prepare for non-conference opponent Central Maine Community College under the lights this Thursday in Auburn.

Wolverines Down Black Bears for Doubleheader Sweep

The Wolverines combined timely hitting, good defense, and solid pitching as they took the second game from the University of Maine by the score of 6-2. BA batters picked up where they left off from the first game with five hits in the first two innings to take an early 3-0 lead. Good defense snuffed out scoring opportunities for both teams in the third and fourth inning, but Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) opened the top of the fifth with a mammoth solo home run high over the 340 mark in left center. Wolverine pitcher Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) held the Black Bears with just one hit over the first four innings, but tired in the fifth as Maine pushed two runners across to closed the gap to 4-2. But the Wolverines responded with two runs in the top of the sixth to put the game out of reach. Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) came in relief in the bottom of the sixth and retired all six batters his faced. The Wolverines are now 3-0, 2-0 in conference play, host conference opponent the University of New England with a home contest at Dolman Diamond this Sunday at 12:00 noon.

Nick Billingham unloads on a home run in the 5th inning

Wolverines Impressive in First Conference Win

The Wolverine baseball team made its 2009 debut in the New England Club Baseball Association in fine fashion with an impressive 13-0 win over the University of Maine in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Hampden Academy. Much credit goes to pitcher Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), who spun a masterful four-hit shutout while recording thirteen strikeouts in just six innings. MacInness set the sides down in order in the first and fourth innings and was in complete command for his first win of the year. The Wolverines pounded out nine hits and scored in every inning but the fifth, and put the game away with six runs in the sixth inning. Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) led the hit parade with three hits and four RBI’s. The win is the second in as many games for the Wolverines as they look to sweep the Black Bears in the second game of the conference opener doubleheader.

Tom MacInnes delivers a pitch during game one of the doubleheader. MacInnes threw a 4H, 13K complete game shutout #16 Andrew Gummow was 3-4 with 4RBI's

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Bridgton Academy Takes Double Header Against UMaine Club

Bridgton Academy baseball hit the road to take on the University of Maine club baseball team in a double header. Bridgton took the first game in six innings, with a score of 13 - 0. UMaine battled back in the second game to keep it a bit closer, but Bridgton prevailed with a 6-2 victory.

Check back for a complete game recap and photos.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wolverines Top Seawolves in Season Opener

The BA Wolverines exploded for seven runs in the second inning, and then held off Southern Maine Community College for five more innings in route to a 9-5 victory at the South Portland campus. BA southpaw Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) held the Seawolves pretty much in check for 6 1/3 innings with a very strong performance, scattering six hits while striking out five. The big inning started with one out in the top of the second as Zach Vauros (St. Charles, IL) singled home Mike Bullett (Stanford, VT) with the first run to tie the game, 1-1. With the bases loaded, Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) was hit by a pitch that scored Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA). A Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) RBI single kept the bases loaded for Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) who unloaded a base-clearing triple to right field to up the score to 6-1. Two batters later, Bullett launched a triple deep to left, scoring MacInnes with the seventh run. Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) came in relief in the seventh with the bases loaded and one out to shut down the Seawolves attack for the save. The Wolverines open their NECBA conference season as they travel to Hampden Academy on Saturday for a noontime doubleheader against University of Maine.

Will Whittemore delivers a pitch in route to leading BA to a win in the season opener

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Season Opener Vs. SMCC

Bridgton Academy opened their fall baseball season with a 9-5 victory over Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) with a score of 9-5. Complete game recap to follow.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Season Preview

The Bridgton Academy baseball program starts a new chapter this fall, as the Wolverines will have a full fall baseball season for the first time in recent memory. Bridgton will be competing in the New England Club Baseball Association. The league consists of 14 teams, competing in three divisions, with a championship to follow regular season play. Bridgton is the only non-college or university team in the league. At the helm for his 12th year as head coach, Brad Smith and the Wolverines are coming off of back to back record setting spring seasons in ’08 and ’09 that saw them go 16-5 and 18-5 respectively.

Coach Smith is excited and optimistic about the addition of a full fall schedule saying, "On paper, this upcoming season should be the most challenging in the school's history for the simple reason that aside from Navy Prep, we play all colleges. Every game will be a challenge. But rather than dwelling on the fact that BA is the only prep school among thirteen colleges, we have developed the mind set that we're playing against nine guys and if we play well, we'll be successful."

The Wolverines schedule consists of 20 games, 12 conference games, with the remainder being filled in by local community colleges, and all star teams. Bridgton opens up their season on Wednesday the 9th against the Southern Maine Community College Sea Wolves, in South Portland. The home opener is slated for Sunday the 13th versus University of New England.

Joining Coach Smith will be first year assistants Troy Guidone, and Karl Olson. Guidone will be working with the infielders, while Olson will handle the pitching staff. Coach Smith is excited to have two assistants saying, “Both Troy and Karl have been tremendous additions to the program. Both have college playing experience at key positions: middle infield and pitching. Their collective efforts have certainly enhanced the level of coaching our guys receive."

The Wolverine roster includes 15 players, many of whom will factor in at various positions. Carrying the catching load will be Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA), and Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA) as they look to split duties behind the plate. Vying for starting spots in the middle infield positions and at third base are Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME), Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA), and Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA). All three could see additional time on the mound. First base will be by committee, as Zach Vouros (St. Charles, IL), Nate Palazzola (Gloucester, MA), and Johnny Doyle (Cockeysville, MD) are expected to see time. Returning as the veteran presence in the outfield will be Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA), joining Murphy are Tad Gold (Vinyard Haven, MA), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH), and Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA). The pitching staff looks to be deep with Whittemore, MacInnes, and Stauber seeing starting roles. May, Vorous, Billingham, and Doyle will see time out of the bullpen. Coming off of injuries and rehabbing, are Mike Bullet (Stamford, VT) and Mike Finnegan (Bow, NH). Once healthy, Bullet should slide into a starting spot in the rotation. Finnegan will see time as a utility player.

Smith believes his team can be successful with the key being; they play well defensively, not allow the other team extra outs and get some timely hitting.
Coach Smith added that the league will, "prepare these guys to play college baseball. That fact alone should be a great motivating factor for every player. It should be a great opportunity for our guys to play in front of college coaches."