Maine’s 14-12 start best since 1990

It has been nine years since the University of Maine baseball team has been 14-12 during the first week of April.

And while the Black Bears have plenty of room for improvement, the early success gives coach Paul Kostacopoulos reason to be encouraged about his 1999 ballclub.

Maine, which opened its America East schedule last weekend by taking three of four from Hofstra on the road, held its first full practice on Mahaney Diamond Tuesday in preparation for its four-game weekend series at Hartford.

“Humbly, we feel that on a given day we can beat anybody,” Kostacopoulos said. “This team is going to be interesting and I think over the next two or three weeks we’re going to know if we’re going to be a good team and whether we’re going to compete.”

The Bears are averaging a healthy 8.2 runs and 10.7 hits per game, led by senior third baseman Brian Poire, who checks in with a .396 average and 18 RBIs. Sophomore first baseman Jon Hambelton (.378, 5 HR, 30 RBIs) and freshmen Mike Ross (.362, 5 HR, 35 RBIs) and Quin Peel (.343, 18 RBIs) also hsteady producers at the plate.

Kostacopoulos said the efforts of seniors Poire and Kregg Jarvais are particularly important.

“They’ve got to be rocks of confidence, because we don’t have the innings of experience with everybody else,” Kostacopoulos said.

The Bears have not yet established consistency in their starting pitching. Sophomore lefthander Jim Bailin, who is 2-2 with a 5.34 earned run average, has led the way. Sophomore junior college transfer Kris Ehmke, a righthander, is 3-1 with a 6.82 ERA.

Sophomore righty Rob Worcester of Columbia Falls (3-1, 9.00) is making the adjustment to a starting role, while freshman lefty Rusty Tucker (3-3, 9.64) is still settling in at the college level.

“They’ve showed signs that they can do it and I believe they can do it, but it would be naive not to be concerned,” Kostacopoulos said of the starters. “They know we’ve got to get better performances out of them.”

On a positive note, the relief corps led by sophomore Tom Morelli (1-0, 1 save, 1.38 ERA) has been outstanding. The lefty has 18 strikeouts in 13 innings. converted junior infielder Matt Truman of Otisfield is also a bright spot (1-2, 2 saves, 4.97).

“Our bullpen has been strong,” Kostacopoulos said. “It’s the best since I’ve been here.”

Another important factor in Maine’s recent success is its solid defense. The Bears committed only two errors at Hofstra and had one in its previous two games.

“We have 31 double plays turned in 26 games, which is pretty good from a defensive standpoint,” Kostacopoulos said.

Maine plays its home opener on April 14 against Colby College of Waterville at Mahaney Diamond at 5 p.m.

Thomas College in Waterville will hold opening ceremonies for its new baseball and softball fields on Saturday.

The festivities will include a baseball doubleheader between Thomas and the University of Maine-Presque Isle and a Thomas softball game against Maine Maritime Academy of Castine.