Rams’ Huckins shines in first trip into field> Injured Spellman’s sub had been DH for 2 years

When No. 5 Bangor beat No. 4 Old Town in a 14-inning marathon effort Thursday, the Rams’ defense looked better than it has in weeks despite the loss of starting second baseman Renee Spellman.

Sophomore Megan Huckins replaced the injured Spellman, who is out for the season with a dislocated left shoulder. Huckins, who spent almost the whole season as a designated hitter, looked poised in the infield but she was more nervous than she let on.

Huckins had never played in the field during a game in her two years with the team.

Nevertheless, she recorded two putouts and five assists over the 14 innings, and along with improved play from shortstop Ashley Tower and the usual standout efforts of third baseman Kerri Tuck and first baseman Danielle Pinkerton, helped the Rams hold off the Indians 4-3.

“I was a little nervous going into it because I’ve never played there before,” Huckins said. “But after [Thursday] I got a lot of experience. So I feel better.”

Bangor will face No. 1 Brewer today in a 1 p.m. game at Coffin Field in Brewer for a berth in the Eastern Maine Class A final Tuesday. The Rams are the defending regional runners-up.

The addition of Huckins shored up the infield Thursday, and junior varsity player Courtney Smith, who was with the varsity squad in its final regular-season game, has solidified the outfield.

“We made a change and I think [Huckins] did a great job at second base,” Bangor coach Lisa Richards said. “She really stepped up. We have always prided us on our defense and it came through today. Every kid fought back and contributed.”

The Rams graduate rightfielder Kristan Strout and Pinkerton, who has been Bangor’s starting first baseman for three years. Huckins knows she will likely be needed in the field next season – and there’s no better way to get experience dealing with the pressure than in the playoffs.

“[Richards] is just working me into the infield now to get ready for next year, I guess,” Huckins said. “We’re just starting to move people around and find the best combination. We’re just gonna see what works.”