As we fought through our mid-week contest at Fairfield, the excitement for the upcoming home opener was obvious. We battled back and forth and left town with a close victory.

There was a conference giant looming in the distance, and we had to come out with a lot of energy.

Saturday was 60 degrees, and we were feeling positive about being at home in the pound.

The first game was a classic pitching duel, and neither starter would budge. Maine got a few hits when it counted and we left 14 on base during a 5-2 loss. The second game was more of the same with two pitchers leaving it all on the bump. We left the bases juiced as the game ended in a one-run loss, 3-2.

During the 30-minute cruise home, I wondered how we were going to get it going after such a long, hard-fought battle.

Sunday, we had a good team breakfast and headed to the yard to prepare it for the finale. It is amazing how well 32 people can work together when they know their responsibilities. Full credit goes to my staff, especially Mark, who seems adept at getting anything accomplished with a full plate.

The Danes put together two late rallies, and our senior closer notched his fifth save to end an 8-5 W.

It was fulfilling to see the 16 newcomers experience a conference win. The coaches got together and grumbled a bit about the many mistakes we made as a unit, and then looked back at Saturday and felt as if we could have won one of those.

Time goes on, and we decided to look forward to next weekend with the Huskies of Northeastern.

Maine had eliminated our club last year in the conference tourney, and Kosty (Black Bears coach Paul Kostacopoulos), and I had exchanged a competitive barrage during the game. It was relieving to see him and tell him how competition can bring out the best and worst of all of us. He told me he thought we were out of the same mold, and that nothing really pierced his skin.

The coaches in our conference have all been at it longer than me, and it is important to respect those who have paved the road for the rest of us.

JM

(photo courtesy of Albany Media Relations Office)