UMPI baseball got back in the win column after several close games didn't swing their way. The Owls' offense exploded across both games, combining for 36 runs, while the pitching staff delivered strong outings to secure the program's first series sweep of the season. Even bigger, this stretch marks the most wins UMPI has recorded since 2016. It is the second straight year they have achieved that feat, now getting to nine wins - a milestone moment for the program and a sign of real progress.
Game 1: 17-3 Owls
After a competitive start, UMPI completely broke the game open in the third inning with one of their most explosive frames of the season. Leading 2-1 entering the third, the Owls erupted for eight runs, capitalizing on errors, aggressive baserunning, and timely hits. The inning featured RBI contributions from Garrett Chadwick and Hayden Coury, along with multiple stolen bases and defensive miscues by Fort Kent that allowed the lead to balloon. UMPI never looked back, continuing to tack on runs in the fifth and sixth to cruise to a 17-3 win. On the mound, Mason Long was in control all day, tossing a complete game with eight strikeouts, allowing just two earned runs. Garrett Chadwick drove in four runs, while Mitchell Kley added two RBIs. Hayden Coury chipped in with a key hit and RBI, and Ronnie Golmon set the tone at the top of the lineup with three runs scored.
Game 2: 6-3 Hornets
If game one was explosive, game two was overwhelming from the very start. UMPI came out swinging in the first inning, putting up seven runs before Fort Kent could settle in. Mitchell Kley and Diego Maldonado delivered early RBIs, while patience at the plate and defensive errors kept the inning alive. The Owls kept piling it on, highlighted by a three-RBI double from Ronnie Golmon in the second and another huge third inning that pushed the lead to 16-3. Despite a brief push from Fort Kent in the middle innings, UMPI answered again late to secure a 19-6 victory and complete the sweep. Mitchell Kley led the offense going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while Ronnie Golmon drove in four. Mason Long added two RBIs, and Diego Maldonado chipped in with two as well. Aiden Toy reached base and scored multiple times as part of the offensive surge. On the mound, Garrett Chadwick earned the win, with Seth Espling providing solid relief innings to stabilize the game.
This was the kind of series UMPI needed. 36 total runs showed what this lineup is capable of when they stay aggressive and capitalize on mistakes. Production came from up and down the
lineup, not just one or two players, strong outings from Long and a combined effort in game two kept Fort Kent from mounting serious threats. Most importantly, UMPI played cleaner, more confident baseball, a clear step forward from some of the inconsistency seen in earlier series.
Next Up:
The Owls stay home as they prepare for a tougher test, hosting Husson University on May 2ndand 3rd, with doubleheaders scheduled for 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM both days. UMPI will look to take a game from the Eagles for the first time since 2013.
