The Seahawks baseball team opened its season with a 5-3 loss against the Madison Bulldogs April 19 in Boothbay Harbor. After only a week of outdoor practice, the team of mostly sophomores held their own on the chilly, overcast home field.

“They made some plays I didn’t expect them to play,” said Head Coach Ed Crocker. “We had base runners, we had hitters and we were patient at the plate. Overall, I thought, for the first game, we did really well.”

Aidric Canada, Dominick Dow and Finn Harkins each scored for the Seahawks.

Crocker gave special mention to Harkins, who threw 89 pitches with more strikes than balls. He also commended Luke Morley and Dow, his first and second basemen, for strong plays. However, he said he was proud of the whole team.

“I couldn’t ask more of these guys for what they did. They came out, they played hard, they had fun and that’s what we ask of them.”

The home team was down four starters and only able to field nine players. Crocker said the game went well despite the day’s setbacks. Looking forward, he expects to see a different team when the other players return.

Crocker said his team this season has strong pitchers, which he has been waiting for for a long time. He thinks the Seahawks’ strength on the mound will make the season.

“I’m really anxious to see how well we are going to do pitching wise. I think we can hit the ball and I feel good about our fielding, but if we can pitch like what they are capable of we are going to be unstoppable.”