The two teams exchanged the momentum throughout much of the contest, but the Bears would score six runs in the top half of the seventh inning to put the game out of reach for the Seagulls.
OOB struggled at times defensively, finishing the game with eight errors and allowing three unearned runs.
“(In) two innings we gave (Maranacook) two extra outs. When you look at their first six runs, we gave them all six. We’ve got to make the routine play — make the routine play and not give the other team extra outs,” said OOB coach Tom LaChance after the loss. “(Maranacook) moved down to (Class C) this year, they’re going to compete. It’s just making the routine play and having our heads in every pitch. It’s the focus, you’ve got to be focused for seven (innings).”
Cody Blanchette led OOB at the plate, going 3-for-3 with an RBI. Mark Johnston went 2-for-4 and also added an RBI.
Despite the loss, LaChance was pleased with his team’s performance at the dish. The Seagulls finished with eight hits, and loaded the bases with one out in the sixth inning but were unable to capitalize.
“I wasn’t discouraged with our bats today and the way the kids did their approach to the at bats. I told the kids, ‘three more hits and you’re winning the game, all it takes is three people to hit in a row and you’ll win the game.’ We were hoping to have a better outing today, the kids have shown in the preseason that we can score.”
Matt Hurley got the start for OOB, pitching five innings and giving up five earned runs while striking out four. Peyton Blanchette pitched an inning in relief, giving up four runs and picking up two strikeouts. Johnston also threw an inning in relief for the Seagulls.
OOB has also been testing its players at different positions in the early going, which LaChance believes contributed to some of the team’s mental errors.
“I wouldn’t say it’s lack of practicing but it’s having a young kid next to an older one. That communication hasn’t happened before when they used to feed off each other. I’ve got a new shortstop, a new second baseman, we’ve switched (positions) up. They’re in different positions so there is that little learning curve,” said LaChance.
Although the Seagulls begin the season at 0-1, LaChance still has faith that OOB will be a contender this season.
“I’m pretty confident — we’re young, it’s been about 14 years since I’ve had a team with this kind of attitude,” said LaChance. “Last year these kids would celebrate themselves but now we’re celebrating together. I think we’re going to be right there.”
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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