SeaWolves Snap Win Streak In Offensive Frenzy

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) baseball team suffered its first loss of the spring in a 19-15 slugfest with the Knights from Northern Essex Community College (NECC) on Wednesday, Apr. 3.

The Knights opened scoring in the second and posted their biggest inning, six runs, in the third to go ahead 7-0. The SeaWolves answered with three runs on one hit in the bottom half to close the deficit to three.

SMCC continued to chip away in the fourth when first-year captain Peter Stauber (Cumberland, Maine) scored on a bases-loaded walk followed by sophomore captain Dylan Francoeur (Westbrook, Maine) on an errant throw from the outfield. The SeaWolves turned over the lineup again in the fifth, and it was Francoeur that delivered the go-ahead double to give the home team its first lead of the day.

First-year Jaden Suazo (Boston, Mass.) connected for his first homer of the season, a solo shot to left field in the sixth inning, before NECC reclaimed in the lead in the seventh. Now trailing 15-14 after eight, the SeaWolves couldn't stop the bleeding in the ninth and surrendered four more runs to eventually fall by the same margin.

Seven recorded multi-hit games for the SeaWolves led by Stauber's 3-4 day at the plate, including a walk, three runs, and two RBIs. Francoeur and senior captain Sean Adams (Lebanon, Maine) also contributed two-RBI games. First-year Iain McGaff (Boston, Mass.) made his second career start, going 2.2 innings and allowed seven runs on five hits and four walks.

The Knights' Spencer Brown had himself a five-RBI day going 3-6 at the dish—highlighted by a three-run home run in the seventh.

Among five who made pitching appearances for SMCC, junior Cody Bryant (Somersworth, N.H.) was taxed the loss. NECC's Michael Goodin earned the victory.

Both teams combined for 33 hits and 21 walks.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Dave Walsh stated, "Today pitching was a premium. I'm proud of our guys for showing fight and putting the bat to the ball down seven runs to begin the game. We are a resilient bunch who take the field every game with a purpose. We'll be ready to take on NECC again later this month."

The SeaWolves break their nine-game win streak and stand 17-5 overall, 1-0 in conference action. The Knights win their fourth consecutive to improve to 6-11 overall.

SMCC will continue its home stand with another single nine-inning contest against UConn Avery Point Saturday, Apr. 6 beginning at 1 p.m. LIVE STATS.

SMCC will be holding its semi-annual Open House event prior to the game for perspective students from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For the latest on SMCC's athletic programs, log onto GoSMCCSeawolves.com or follow Southern Maine Community College Athletics on Twitter @SMCCseawolves and on Facebook SMCC Seawolves.