The University of Maine baseball team lost its America East conference opener to UMBC on March 20, with a final score of 7-5.
The game marked the start of conference play for the Black Bears, who are now looking to improve their record after this defeat. The matchup featured several key moments and individual performances from both teams.
Troy Carpenter put Maine ahead in the third inning with his first career grand slam, sending the ball over left center field. Quinn Murphy, Juju Stevens, and Shane Andrus also scored on Carpenter’s home run, which was his seventh of the season. Later in the seventh inning, Andrus tied the game at 5-5 with a sacrifice fly that brought Brody Rasmussen home.
On the mound, Jason Krieger started for Maine and pitched six innings. He allowed five runs on seven hits, walked four batters, and struck out two. Thomas Stabley took the loss after giving up two runs in relief. Pierce Friedman closed out the eighth inning by retiring the only batter he faced.
The Black Bears now hold a record of 2-18 as they continue their opening week of conference action. They are scheduled to face UMBC again in game two of the weekend series on Saturday, March 21, with first pitch set for 2:30 PM.
The team will look to rebound as they progress through their America East schedule.
