ORONO – Lance Bogardus is happy just to be pitching again. Val Beaudet is going to unveil a new pitch.

Sophomore lefty Bogardus of Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and junior righty Beaudet of Lewiston will begin the season as the closers for the University of Maine’s baseball team.

The Bears open their season Saturday with a doubleheader against Texas A&M.

The Bears managed only five saves a year ago, and they do not have any overpowering starters in the rotation.

So Bogardus, who was a medical redshirt a year ago, and Beaudet will play very important roles.

“I feel real good,” said Bogardus, who had surgery last October to move the ulnar nerve to a comfortable area in his left arm. “I’m not quite 100 percent yet. I’m still building my arm up. But I’m getting there.”

Bogardus said his fastball is just about back to normal and his slider has just a little way to go.

His slider is his bread-and-butter pitch.

“When his slider is on, it’s the best breaking ball around,” said senior catcher Shawn Tobin.

“And I change speeds on it,” said Bogardus.

Bogardus said he really enjoys the relief role.

“As a reliever, you get to pitch in more games,” said Bogardus. “And I think my arm can stand only three or four innings at a time right now.”

Righty Beaudet realized his weaknesses and worked on them during the fall and indoor training sessions.

“I’m throwing strikes now,” said Beaudet, who walked seven in 13 innings a year ago. “I have to hit my spots (to be effective). And I’ve developed a sidearm curve.”

Beaudet also has a sidearm fastball and a straight changeup.

“I feel more confident now,” said Beaudet.

“Val has three pitches he can throw for strikes now, and he’s making the hitters put the ball in play, which is what he has to do,” said Tobin. “He’s mixing his pitches up.”

“Beaudet has thrown well, and getting Bogardus back is a big plus,” said Maine Coach John Winkin. “Bogardus throws strikes, he throws hard, and he has a great slider. He’s a good competitor and an ideal closer.”