The Colby College men’s baseball team came up with an impressive 9-2 win in its season home opener against the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). Pitcher Dakota Rabbit ’14 and captain Rich Newton ’11 each played a key role in securing the win for the Mules.

Rabbitt helped his team to victory by allowing just one hit over five innings. Rabbitt pitched the first five innings of his collegiate career, earning three strikeouts, no walks and letting up no earned runs. Head coach Dale Plummer was very pleased with Rabbitt’s performance. “It was great. [In] the few outings he’s had he has been very poised and has been able to throw all his pitches for strikes. It was good to see him get off to a good start yesterday and earn his first collegiate win.”

Newton also had a big game against UMF, getting on base four times, with two hits and two walks in the leadoff spot. He came up with a big double in the fifth inning to bring Colby’s lead to 8-2, just after the Beavers had scored two in the top of the frame. “He’s been a catalyst on the team this year, especially in his role as a leadoff hitter. The key to our success is getting on base and scoring runs, which is what he’s been doing and what we need,” said Coach Plummer.

Robb Arndt ’12 also reached base four times for the Mules with two hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch. Nate Ellis ’14 added two hits and a walk on the day. Pitchers Abhi Chandel ’14, Mark Nelson ’12 and Greg Ladd ’14 worked the final four innings for Colby to solidify the 9-2 win.

The Mules are now 6-10 overall after traveling to Hartford, Conn. April 2 and losing twice to Trinity College. In 2009, the Bantams won the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championship and the New England Regional Championship.

However, Coach Plummer feels as though his squad is off to a great start. “I feel really good about this team, we have played good competition and haven’t yet played up to our potential, but we are quickly moving along and improving every day,” said Coach Plummer. “It’s hard having guys out due to injuries, and sophomore pitcher Nate Sugarbaker hasn’t pitched yet due to tendonitis in his elbow. We missed him in Florida, but this weekend he will be the relief pitcher and it is exciting to have him back.”

The Mules were supposed to take on Coach Plummer’s alma mater the University of Maine April 5 at 4:00 pm, but the game was cancelled due to rain.