Seahawks baseball coach Ed Crocker was encouraged by the strong performance of his young team in spite of a 13-2 loss to Dirigo High School in Friday's home opener.

“We played a good three and half innings,” said Crocker.

The Seahawks took a first inning lead after Hunter Crocker gained a walk, took third on a single by Will Lebrecque and then stole home.

The team added to the lead in the second when Colby Babcock walked and came home on an infield chopper by Jamie Lebrecque. Dirigo gained the lead in the third with three runs.

Starting pitcher Hunter Crocker left the mound after one out in the fourth inning after striking out five. He was relieved by Steve Reny followed by Jamie Lebrecque and Fox Elder.

Dirigo broke it open in the fourth inning with seven runs and added three more in the fifth resulting in a shortened game after five innings.

Coach Crocker said he is looking for improvement in pitching with some throwing time on the mound. The team has been practicing in the gym due to wet field conditions.

“We have to build up our pitching staff,” said Crocker.

Dirigo junior Mike Packard pitched all five innings facing 19 batters and striking out eight. 

“We gave them a good fight,” said Crocker.