After getting off to a slow start, the Huskies’ baseball team is on a roll. Following their first 11 games, USM was struggling at 4-6-1. Since then, the Huskies have caught fire, winning ten out of their last twelve games and outscoring their opponents (103-44).
USM’s captains (Adam Lemieux, Brian Marshall, Jason Thibodeau) have led the Huskies to a 14-8-1 overall record (5-2 in Little East play) and have the Huskies poised to make a run deep into the playoffs.
Senior centerfielder Adam Lemieux, Cumberland, ME, has been solid at the plate and in the outfield. Lemieux is hitting .433 on the season with one homerun and 18 RBI’s. In addition, Lemieux leads the Huskies in hits (42) and runs (22). Defensively, Lemieux has yet to make an error in 23 games and has three outfield assists.
Senior Jason Thibodeau, Old Town, ME, has been the Huskies most consistent pitcher. Thibodeau is 3-2 with an impressive 2.15 ERA in nearly 30 innings pitched. Thibodeau’s control has been outstanding; his strikeout to walk ratio is better than 5 to1.
Senior Brian Marshall, Danvers, MA, has contributed with his bat and his arm. Marshall is hitting .320 with 17 runs scored, six doubles and 10 RBI’s. On the mound, Marshall is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in 16 innings pitched.
The captains are contributing like you would expect. Going into the season, head coach Ed Flaherty expected the veterans to play well, but Flaherty was concerned with how fast the freshmen would progress. His concerns, however, have proven unfounded.
USM’s freshmen have exceeded all expectations. Ryan Bourque, Sanford, ME, is hitting .429, second best on the team (A. Lemieux .433). The super frosh has also belted two homeruns and knocked in a team high 26 RBI’S. If that wasn’t enough, Bourque leads the Huskies in total bases (50) and is second in runs scored (20). Freshman catcher Joe McGhee (Walpole, MA) has four homers (tied for first on team) and 24 RBI’S (second best on the team).
Sophomore pitcher/infielder Tip Fairchild, Monmouth, ME, has delivered on the mound and at the plate. Fairchild is 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA in just over 30 innings pitched. Opponents are only hitting .217 against Fairchild. At the plate, Fairchild is hitting .316 with two homeruns and ten RBI’S. Last week, Fairchild was named Little East Conference Pitcher of the Week after striking out a career high 11 batters in a three hit shutout.
The Huskies are 14-8-1 (5-2 in conference tied for second place) overall. With only three weeks remaining before the Little East Playoffs begin, the Huskies seem to be peeking at the right time. The combination of a potent lineup and a deep pitching staff, figure to make the Huskies a tough team to beat come playoff time.
Kevin Moran can be contacted at [email protected]