SANFORD — The Moose signed on three more pitchers this week, each one bringing something different to the table. Second-year Mainer Jonah Normandeau (Cumberland, ME), relief pitcher Nick Wojtysiak (Fountain Hills, AZ), and closer Jake Dexter (Oakland, ME) bring size, depth, and adversity to the Mainer pitching staff for the upcoming summer season.

 A current red shirt junior, Jonah Normandeau has been lights out for the University of Maine Black Bears this season. 

With just over 60 innings pitched, Normandeau currently holds a 4.60 ERA, fanning 37 while giving up 67 hits. A former Bridgton Academy athlete, the 6’1” right-hander is yet another familiar face in a green-and-yellow uniform. 

Pitching 26.1 innings for the Moose last season, Normandeau held a 5.06 ERA, going 3-3 in 13 appearances on the mound. As Normandeau isn’t a huge strikeout pitcher, his ability to keep the ball in the infield and throw hitters off balance is his best asset. Out of the 68 hits given up this year, he’s only allowed 13 doubles, four triples, and three homeruns.

“I chose to come back to Sanford because of the culture the organization has developed,” he said. “Everyone around town truly cares for the players and wants nothing but for us to succeed, not just on the field but off as well. The winning attitude here is attractive.”

 Another Maine native just finished up his season with the University of Southern Maine in the DIII regional tournament in Ithaca, New York. 

Closer, utility player, and all-around stud Jake Dexter brings an off-balance, sidearm delivery to the Mainer mound, and his numbers from this season tell his story. 

At the plate, the sophomore from Oakland, Maine is currently batting a .356 average, including 64 hits and just 15 strikeouts in 180 at-bats. As a middle infielder, he currently holds a .969 fielding percentage, including 55 career double plays and 187 assists. On the mound, the closer has recorded 40.1 innings of work, with a career-high 12 saves to go along with four wins in 26 total appearances. 

With a 2.66 ERA, Dexter holds a 2.16 career ERA in just under 70 innings pitched. One of his most notable performances came against Plymouth State, where the right hander pitched in the ninth inning of game one to secure the save, and went 5.1 relief innings in game two to pick up the win.

Dexter commented on wanting to continue his winning ways, saying “I want to finish my season strong with Southern Maine and continue right into the winning tradition that Sanford is known for.”

Dexter joins the Mainers as a familiar name, coming in just two seasons after his brother Sam concluded his two year stint with the Moose. Sam was later drafted by the Chicago White Sox organization also out of the University of Southern Maine.

A southpaw from Fountain Hills, Arizona, Nick Wojtysiak knows a thing or two about winning himself. 

A current junior for the Purdue Boilermakers, the left-hander spent his freshman year at Pepperdine, and his sophomore year at Paradise Valley Community College before transferring to the Big 10 school. Since signing with Purdue, the 5’11,” 196 pound junior has recorded 17 innings of work in 16 total appearances from the bullpen. 

With 18 strikeouts to counter eight walks, opponent batting averages are just under .270 when facing Wojtysiak. As Purdue has qualified for the Big 10 tournament, keep an eye out for the soon-to-be Mainer to make an appearance on the mound this week.

“I chose Sanford because of the great opportunity to play baseball at the highest level, while also living in a great part of the country,” he said. “I love the coaching staff at Purdue, and they have told me great things about Sanford. I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates and being part of a winning culture, while also developing as a baseball player.”

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