ORONO – Coming into the season, University of Maine baseball coach Steve Trimper had two key infield spots to fill.

America East All-Rookie third baseman Curt Smith returned, but he was working out extensively at shortstop because of the Black Bears’ lack of experience there.

With third base somewhat up for grabs, Kevin McAvoy seized the opportunity to earn a spot.

The freshman from Brewer has burst onto the scene, leading UMaine and America East in a handful of offensive categories while helping the Bears post a 17-9-1 start.

“I’m definitely having a lot of fun,” said McAvoy, a former Brewer High School star. “I’m not going to say it’s all surreal to me. On the other hand, I do work hard and I guess things are just paying off for me.”

McAvoy, a 5-foot-11, 175-pounder, goes into today’s 4 p.m. home opener against Stony Brook leading America East with a .440 batting average, six home runs, 36 RBIs and a .736 slugging percentage.

He ranks 10th in the nation in batting average and RBIs per game (1.44).

“Anytime a freshman comes in and hits over .300, you’re happy,” Trimper said. “He’s surprised me, but I always thought he’d be a good ballplayer.”

McAvoy arrived at UMaine with modest expectations. He wanted to adjust to college life and Division I baseball and hopefully earn playing time.

“I came in very confident, but I never knew I’d do this well,” McAvoy admitted. “Nobody expects to come in freshman year, start, and lead the team or league. I’m just taking it with a grain of salt.”

Trimper had considered other personnel options, but McAvoy’s immediate success solidified his spot. He has hit safely in 22 of 25 games, including 23 starts, and enjoyed a 15-game hitting streak.

“The thing that he does well is that he stays aggressive,” Trimper said. “If he gets two strikes, he changes his approach, but he does not overswing. He’s a kid that’s out there taking short, quick swings and hitting the mistakes.”

McAvoy has benefited from being part of a potent UMaine batting order in which he bats sixth or seventh. He often comes up with runners on base in situations where pitchers can’t be overly cautious.

“Hitting in that spot is huge, especially with the guys in front of me,” McAvoy said. “It gives me probably the best opportunity on the team to get the RBIs.”

There have been challenges for McAvoy. He has been a bit inconsistent defensively, committing 12 errors, most of them throwing miscues.

“As the errors show, my defense isn’t where it should be and definitely not where I want it to be,” McAvoy said. I’m working on that.”

Trimper isn’t overly concerned, because he has seen how hard McAvoy works.

“He’s a great learner. He’s a hard worker,” Trimper said. “Kevin’s getting better over there every day.”

McAvoy, already a four-time AE Rookie of the Week, credits former Brewer teammate Joel Barrett with helping him maintain the proper perspective.

“He was a huge help,” McAvoy said. “He got me used to what the kids are expecting. I just came up with an open mind and the guys accepted me.”

Though he knows there may be some rough spots along the way, McAvoy is thrilled to have the chance to play at UMaine.

“I’ve always wanted to play Division I and I had the opportunity to play right here in Maine, close to my family, close to people I know,” he said.