Article by: Jake Laroche
YSCC Sports Information and Media Services Intern

(YSCC) OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine - The #1 seeded Southern Maine CC Seawolves baseball team defeated the #2 Central Maine CC Mustangs in a hard-fought game, earning an 8-4 victory on Saturday, May 6th, to capture their sixth consecutive YSCC Baseball Championship. 

This contest started slow with both teams netting one base runner each in the first. The action began in the top of the second for the Mustangs thanks to a double from catcher Kaleb Thompson who later scored on a Rolando Rodriguez Jr. single. Another hit, this time a single by Jimmy Reed, would score another Mustang run, giving them an early 2-0 lead. 

Southern Maine would also hop on the board in the second inning thanks to an RBI double by Ryan Thurber and an RBI single by Liam Cooledge. Then an error by the Mustangs would score another Seawolves run, giving them their first lead of the game, 3-2. 

Southern Maine would strike again in the bottom of the 3rd as a single from catcher Michael O'Brien scored Luke Wearne. Then back to back walks by Derek Hoh and Liam Cooledge loaded the bases. The Seawolves scored another run giving them a 5-2 lead after 3 innings. 

Central Maine would respond in the top of the 5th inning on an RBI single by Stefan Lesco. They still trailed the Seawolves 5-3. The Seawolves did not let the Mustangs build any momentum as they scored another run on a single by Liam Cooledge. Anthony Sayers was struck by a pitch, and with YSCC Player of the Year Justin Colon due up, the Mustangs made a pitching change. Craig Burnett enters the game for Central Maine.

The Seawolves would strike again in the 6th inning on a first and third double steal. The Seawolves would continue their rally and load the bases. Another Seawolves run would cross the plate on a wild pitch, giving them an 8-3 advantage after 6 innings. 

The score would remain throughout the 7th and in the top of the 8th the Mustangs would strike for a run on a deep drive over the head of the left fielder. Skipper Nic Lops would replace his starter Liam Jann after an incredible outing. We headed to the bottom of the 8th in this championship matchup with the Seawolves leading 8-4.

The Seawolves would ride that lead to the end of the game, earning an 8-4 victory over the Mustangs. A strong outing from Liam Jann and a great offensive day for the entire team led Southern Maine to another YSCC Baseball Championship. 

Tournament MVP: Liam Jann (SMCC)
Defensive Player: Sam Keblinsky (SMCC)
Offensive Player: Jimmy Reed (CMCC)