LIMESTONE — The Eagles have proven to be one of the better teams in Class D baseball this spring.
The Eagles are 7-2 in the early going with two wins over Ashland and single victories over Southern Aroostook, Central Aroostook, Fort Kent, Madawaska and Washburn. Their only two losses came at the hands of the Wisdom Pioneers, who are currently in second place in the standings.
Limestone-MSSM still has a quality schedule full of points, including two games against Fort Fairfield and a single game against Hodgdon.
“I am excited by the way we have played so far,” explained Michaud. “Our pitching — particularly Bernier — has been excellent. We have good team speed and have run the bases well, and with our small ball style, that will be important.”
He said the season has been fun so far, with winning certainly helping matters.
“I am enjoying this very much,” he explained. “I have coached for many years, and this is certainly one of the better, more talented teams I have coached. They have good baseball knowledge. If we are able to avoid injuries and play well, there is no telling how far we can go.”
The Eagles went 11-7 in the regular season in 2012 and were able to get into the second round of the playoffs. They defeated Fort Fairfield in the preliminary round before losing a tough contest to the Central Aroostook Panthers in the quarterfinals.
Michaud is in his second year as the Eagles baseball coach, but brings 39 years of coaching experience at different levels to the table. He, along with assistant coach Justin Cross, see a world of potential with this squad.
“We have a lot of talent returning from last season,” Michaud said, “and they are anxious to go farther.”
The Eagles key losses from last season include Dylan Nadeau, Zach Cote and Austin Dow-Smith, but they return one of the premier performers in Aroostook County. While only a junior, ace pitcher Chris Bernier gives the Eagles a legitimate shot at winning every time he steps on the mound.
“Teams are not excited to face Chris,” explained Michaud. “He is the real thing.”
Through his first four starts this season, Bernier has pitched 18 innings without giving up an earned run.
Bernier is also one of the top hitters on the squad, which makes him even more valuable. Other key returnees include junior Tristan Kirk, a junior shortstop who leads off for the Eagles; senior second baseman Nate Tucker, senior catcher/left fielder Bret Butler and senior center fielder Brandon Thompson.
“There is a lot of leadership within this group,” said the coach.
Other players counted upon to come up big this year include junior right fielder/pitcher Tyler Morgan and a bevy of sophomores, including pitcher/first baseman Sam Kupiec, catcher/left fielder Chris Giroux, third baseman Andy Whitman, outfielder Paul Gentile and utility man Patrick Massaad.
Kupiec is a key to the season, as his left-handed pitching gives the Eagles a contrast to Bernier. Player managers Kevin Villareal and Tyler Broome will be counted on to help out as well. Freshman Owen Labreck sees action in all of the outfield positions.
