Baseball gets Bakich first win in style: 9-1 over Fordham

Submitted by Michigasling on

After losing each of their first three games by only one run (two games in extra innings), the men broke out the bats in Port St. Lucie for the first victory under the new coach.

Sophomore James Bourque (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron) earned the win on the mound, scattering six hits and allowing just a run with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings. At the plate, junior Michael O'Neill belted his first home run of the season, a three-run shot to left in the eighth inning. O'Neill joined senior Patrick Biondi with two hits on the day, as Biondi drove in and scored a pair of runs.

For more details, MGoBlue LINK

A doubleheader against Fordham tomorrow, and then they get to face the Mets (yes, [some of] those Mets) in an exhibition.

Good day for both teams of bat-and-ball-slingers.

Michigasling

February 22nd, 2013 at 7:17 PM ^

The schedule just says "Mets."  But it is spring training, so maybe a mix?  (Any insiders know more?)  We obviously have a connection with Wilpon, and the new pitching coach (Sean Kenny) played in the Mets organization before he started coaching. 

EDIT: Beat me to it, Skip. 

2ND EDIT IN SHAME & HUMILIATION:  Meant to edit the OP to add "some of" (those Mets) and accidentally hit the upvote button!  I will crawl into my hole now.

MGoblu8

February 22nd, 2013 at 8:19 PM ^

The last few years, the Mets starters did just that. They play a few innings (like any other ST game) then in to the back ups and non roster invitees. I remember UM giving up a two run HR with 2 outs in the ninth and settling for a tie a couple of years ago. It's only about an hour for me, so I try to go every year. Spring training is always a good time.

Alton

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:08 PM ^

Michigan has played the Mets several times in the last decade--maybe 5 times in the last 10 years.  Many MLB teams play an exhibition game against an NCAA team the first game of the exhibition season; the Tigers often play (I think) Florida Atlantic.

It's always a very typical early spring training game for the MLB team--starters will start, but will come out of the game after 1 or 2 at bats and 3 or so innings in the field.  Pitchers never go more than 2 innings or so, but it's part of their regular workout schedule, so you will see a few major leaguers and a few minor leaguers.

In 2008, Mets relief pitcher Billy Wagner became extremely upset at Michigan's Kevin Cislo for laying down a bunt.  Wagner was certainly a Major-League level player.  A box score of the game shows major-league level starters, mostly replaced after 3 innings:

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-basebl/stats/022608aaa.html

Canadian

February 23rd, 2013 at 2:17 AM ^

Usually play them the first game of the year but for some reason I noticed they were in the middle (if i remember correctly) of the spring schedule this season.

The school is located right in Lakeland so it's pretty convenient

willywill9

February 23rd, 2013 at 1:10 PM ^

Don't forget, Aaron Heilman (an ND alum) gave up a homer to Michigan and had to sing The Victors.  That game ended in a 4-4 tie I beleive.  (I'm a mets fan, so I love that they do this.  One day, I plan to go down to Port St Lucie for this game.)

bacon1431

February 22nd, 2013 at 7:27 PM ^

Our best players have played like it thus far. Bindi and O'Neill are off to good starts. Our starters are also doing better than I expected too. Hope that continues as it would be huge for our season.

Wolverine Devotee

February 22nd, 2013 at 8:06 PM ^

The game Sunday against the Mets will be on MLB.tv aka get the free, illegal stream on vipbox.tv.



Too much going on Sunday. MBB, WBB & Baseball. Plus lax tomorrow with hockey, baseball and softball! Head asplode!!!