Game #3: @ South Burlington

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts here and not getting an article into the paper; it's finals week here at Skidmore College and I've been pretty busy. Now to the good stuff.

Yesterday Milton took a thriller from South Burlington, winning 5-3 in 9 innings to go to 3-0 on the year. Starting pitcher Matt Goulet had to leave the game early with arm soreness, lets hope he's fine for his next start. In his wake, Alex Duchesneau stepped up big and pitched the rest of the way for the victory. Alex did a good job making the Rebels swing at his pitches and kept the 'Jackets in the game. His line was 8 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K.

On a day when the top four hitters in the 'Jackets lineup went a combined 2-17, the bottom of the order came through to drive Milton. Mike Mullins (2-3, 2 RBI), Kyle McRae (2-4, 2 2B, 1 RBI), and Anthony Campbell (2-4) all had multi-hit days and Alex Learned and Colton Carpenter came through with a double and a triple respectively. 

After going to the 9th inning tied 3-3, Campbell singled and Learned doubled to put two on for Carpenter, who proceeded to hit a rocket in the gap for a 2 RBI triple that would prove to be the difference. This was a nice win for Milton, who has had some trouble with South Burlington in recent years. 

Milton travels to Burlington today for a 4:30 game as they try to stay unbeaten. Senior Corey Hurley will take the mound for the 'Jackets against the 3-1 Seahorses.

Independent Article #3 ('Jackets open with a win)

On Thursday, April 16^th, the Milton varsity baseball team opened their season with a trip to Duxbury to take on the Harwood Union Highlanders. After many weeks of preparation in the gym, the ‘Jackets were excited to take the field in some good weather.

                Senior Alex Duchesneau took the hill for Milton against Harwood. Alex, who was recently accepted to Davidson College (congrats), was up for the challenge on opening day. He earned the win after going 6 1/3 innings yielding only 4 hits while striking out 8 and walking none. He let up 3 runs, none of which were earned, before coming out with one out in the seventh inning.

                Although Duchesneau pitched well, the ‘Jackets trailed for most of the afternoon, getting down to an early 3-0 deficit after a sloppy second inning. The first batter of the inning reached on an error. This was followed by a sacrifice bunt attempt. The ‘Jackets failed to execute the bunt coverage correctly and were left with runners on first and second with no one out. The following batter was hit by Duchesneau to load the bases. A hit, an RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly to center field scored the runs for Harwood to put them up 3-0. However, that was all they would manage on the day, as Duchesneau would retire 13 of the last 15 batters he faced.

                After a few innings of weak swings against Harwood pitcher Reed Brown, the Yellowjacket offense got started in the third inning. After a lead-off single, Anthony Campbell stole second base. Dylan Leggett successfully moved him over with a groundout before Jeremy Peet scored Campbell with an RBI groundout. In the next inning, Matt Goulet and Kyle McRae smacked back-to-back singles to start the inning. Goulet was then forced out at third base on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Pat Gilbert. After McRae was picked off at second and a two out steal by Gilbert, Colton Carpenter hit a bloop single that would score Gilbert from second to bring the game to a 3-2 score.

                The fifth inning was scoreless for both teams, but the sixth inning would prove to be the difference for the ‘Jackets. After loading the bases on an error, a walk and an infield single, Campbell walked to force home the tying run and Leggett did the same to force in the go ahead run. Peet then collected his second and third RBI’s of the game as he came up with a big two out single to score Carpenter and Campbell and put the ‘Jackets up 7-4.

                After getting one out in the seventh, Duchesneau gave way to Goulet, who quickly shut the door on the Highlanders. The first batter Matt faced hit a bloop to right field and Mike Burnham made a great sliding catch. Goulet then induced a pop up to short to end the game.

                Coach Geary was pleased with the pitching on the day (and how could you not be), but acknowledged that the ‘Jackets will need to tighten up the defense. While the offense was not spectacular, the players got the big hits when the needed them.

                Milton has its home opener this Saturday against Winooski at 11:00AM. Stats, schedules and more can always be found online at www.leaguelineup.com/miltonbaseball.

Independent article #2

After scrimmages against last year’s Division II runner-up Lyndon Institute, and the Milton Men’s team, the ‘Jackets appear ready to open up their 16 game season.

The ‘Jackets took on the boys from Lyndon on Thursday afternoon. Lyndon figures to be a strong presence in Division II again this year with their stud, Buddy Lamothe, returning for his senior year. Although they did not get a look at Lamothe on the mound, it was good for Milton to see some good competition before the year got started.

The pitching duties were spread very evenly on the day, with no pitcher throwing more than 2 innings. Alex Duchesneau (Sr.), Corey Hurley (Sr.), Kyle McRae (Sr.), Colton Carpenter (Sr.), Matt Goulet (Jr.), and Dylan Leggett (So.) all threw for the Yellowjackets. When Milton’s pitchers threw strikes, Coach Geary said things went well. There were some control troubles, but that is to be expected early in the year.

Some highlights of the game were defense and baserunning. Both of these aspects of the game will be crucial to Milton’s success this year. The offense did not turn many heads, but Jeremy Peet (Sr.), Patrick Gilbert (Jr.) and Hurley all looked good at the plate for the ‘Jackets.

On Saturday, Milton’s finest, both young and old (or seasoned, whichever you prefer), took the field on a crisp, sunny April morning. The scrimmage was a nine inning affair played with wood bats. Mound time was split on the day between Leggett, McRae, Garrett Baker (So.), Hurley, Nick Ferguson (Jr.) and Duchesneau. Most of the pitchers were stopped around 30 pitches.        

This was another day for pitchers to work on control and feel of secondary pitches. There were some curveballs left up in zone and changeup’s bounced in the dirt, but overall you could see that all the pitchers had made positive strides.

The concern Saturday was the spotty defensive play. Contrary to the solid defense on Thursday, the play in field against the men was below average. Milton saw too many dropped fly balls, misplayed grounders and errant throws. This is something that will have to improve for the ‘Jackets to be successful.

Offensively, the second scrimmage was very similar to the first; nothing really jumped out on the day but there were players that took some good swings. Peet, Gilbert, Goulet and Anthony Campbell (Jr.) led the offense for Milton. It is worth nothing that the wood bats paired with the cold weather did not yield ideal hitting conditions, so the Yellowjackets will surely welcome some warm temperatures and the forgiving aluminum bats.

Milton gets their season going on Tuesday with a 4:30 PM game at non-league foe, Harwood Union.  Senior Alex Duchesneau will be making the start on the mound.

Scrimmage #2

Today, the Varsity squad took on the Milton Men's team. It was a nice day for baseball (save for the wind), about 45 degrees and sunny. As Mr. Learned put it, it was probably good for the men that it wasn't any warmer because, "The temperature keeps us from trying to push it too far". Some of the men hadn't gotten much baseball action since Winter turned to Spring (at least we think...), but they came ready and very enthused to play and it turned out to be a nice day of baseball.

Sophomore Dylan Leggett started on the mound. His pitch limit was at 30 today so he got through 2 innings. He showed his good stuff once he settled down and threw strikes consistently. This will be his main goal this year as he can be very effective when he throws the ball over the plate. Overall a good outing for Dylan. 

Next to throw was senior Kyle McRae. Kyle has always had a rocket for an arm, but shoulder problems have kept him from being able to really be a factor on the mound. But this year he seems to be healthier and could be a huge weapon in the late innings. He showed good velocity on his fastball but struggled with his curveball today. That will come with more innings, as the curveball requires great touch. 

Sophomore Garrett Baker took the mound next. Garrett will anchor the JV staff this year, but got in 2 solid innings today. Again this issue here was control. Garrett showed good velocity and good movement on his pitches (especially the curveball) when he was able to stay closed and stay on top in his delivery. 

The rest of the game was pitched by Corey Hurley, Nick Ferguson and Alex Duchesneau. Hurley told me his arm was a little sore today but he still showed good velocity at times and good command of his curveball in the strike zone especially early in counts which allowed him to get ahead of hitters. 

Ferguson came in and threw strikes just like we expect him too. He had the bad fortune of some poor defense behind him that forced him to throw more pitches than necessary, but overall a solid outing. 

Finally came Duchesneau (on a 15 pitch limit) who was tuning up for his start on Tuesday against Harwood. He showed good command of his fastball on the inner half and his change up looked good again today. The change up will be a very important pitch for him this year, and thus far, it seems he has the feel for that pitch.

The issue today was the defense. Too many errors, too many dropped fly balls, too many easy plays made difficult. Some of this had to do with the friendly, non-intense atmosphere that the Men's team brought. (Not complaining about this, they were a pleasure, however, with dad's playing against son's, you can see where focus may come up short). However, as Coach Geary spoke about, times like those where it's hard to bring intensity are the times it is most important. Hopefully the boys took something away from today in that respect.

The offense was a bit weak today, but we'll go ahead and chalk it up to the wooden bats and cold temperature. However, there were some good swings today from Peet, Goulet, Campbell, Gilbert and others. I'm sure the guys will welcome some warmer weather and some more friendly aluminum.

Be sure to check back often; I'll try to update this blog as often as possible and I'll post the articles that I'm submitting to the Independent on here. First game is Tuesday @ Harwood 4:30.

2009 Varsity Preview

Last June, the Milton Varsity baseball team lost in the state semifinal to a Mt. Abraham team that was loaded with talented seniors. It took a gem from Mt. Abe’s Greg Lutton to stop the ‘Jackets in a 2-0 pitchers duel. Milton said goodbye to seniors Dwayne Ballard, Justin Bergeron, Joe Emery, Bryan Geary, and Mike Thompson, but looked forward to a 2009 season that would feature a very experienced group of players.

                The ‘Jackets had an 8-8 record in the regular season last year, but two wins in the postseason helped them finish at 10-9 overall. Coach John Geary, in his second year as the head coach, hopes experience and pitching depth will help Milton take the next step and make some noise in this year’s Division II playoffs.

                Milton’s roster is made up of nine seniors, five juniors and one sophomore. Seniors are Mike Burnham, Colton Carpenter, Alex Duchesneau, Corey Hurley (Captain), Alex Learned, Shane Mason, Kyle McRae (Captain), Mike Mullins and Jeremy Peet (Captain). Burnham and Learned return to baseball after taking their junior year off; both will see time in the outfield. Carpenter returns for his third varsity season and will be the team’s third basemen and may also see some innings out of the bullpen. Duchesneau also returns for his third varsity season, and will be at the top of the pitching rotation, bringing valuable experience from both high school and legion baseball. Hurley, another third year player, will anchor shortstop for the ‘Jackets and will also be a starting pitcher. Mason, back for his second year, could see time at both 2^nd and 3^rd base this season. McRae, in his 3^rd varsity season, will be the leader of a talented Milton outfield. Mullins, who is in his second varsity season, will be an important bat for ‘Jackets. He’ll see time at 1^st base and DH. Peet (3^rd year) returns as one of the top catchers in the state after a junior year in which he was named first team All-Metro.

 Juniors are Anthony Campbell, Nick Ferguson, Pat Gilbert, Matt Goulet and Aaron Thibault. Campbell, who is a second year varsity player, will anchor 2^nd base and may see time at shortstop when Hurley is on the mound. Ferguson, a newcomer, can play three infield positions and will provide great versatility for Milton. Gilbert, also a newcomer, will see time at first base and will add a big bat to the ‘Jackets roster. Goulet (3^rd year) should be one of the top pitchers in the state this year; he was also first team All-Metro last year along with Peet. Thibault, another newcomer, will be valuable off the Milton bench as he can play all three outfield spots. The lone sophomore is Dylan Leggett; he will have a spot in the ‘Jackets outfield and see significant time on the mound.

Pitching will be Milton’s biggest strength this season, as they have a rare combination of experience, depth and talent. Goulet (RHP), Duchesneau (RHP), Hurley (RHP) and Leggett (LHP), who will see the bulk of the starts, have worked hard in the offseason after playing very competitive summer baseball with the Colchester Cannons. Carpenter (RHP) and McRae (LHP) provide hard-throwing relief options for the ‘Jackets. Goulet led last year’s staff with a 7-0 record, 40 K’s and 8 BB in 49 IP. He also tossed three complete games. Regardless of who is on the mound, Milton will consistently run out one of the top batteries in the state as catcher Jeremy Peet is a wall behind home plate and has plenty of experience calling games. Peet will also help neutralize the opponent’s running game with his great throwing arm.

Milton’s offensive attack took a bit of a hit with the loss of the seniors, but the emergence of Goulet and Leggett in the lineup may help ease the effects. Some of the top returning bats for the ‘Jackets are: Mike Mullins (.455 BA, 1 HR, 8 RBI), Jeremy Peet (.379 BA, 11 RBI), Kyle McRae (.333 BA, 3 doubles, 5 RBI, 5 SB) and Corey Hurley (.293 BA, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 7 SB). Milton will try to rely on small ball more than the long ball this season. Look for them to be aggressive on the base paths and utilize the bunt on both the sacrifice and squeeze plays.

Coach Geary had a lot of positive things to say; he was pleased with the progress his team has made thus far through mostly indoor practices (although they have been able to get outside recently). The absence of the trip to Florida, which the team had taken the past four years, will be missed, but the ‘Jackets hope to make up the game experience with scrimmages against Division II runner-up Lyndon and the Milton Men’s baseball team. Geary summed up his season preview with this statement: “With the experience we have, this team should be in the mix for a strong postseason run.” The ‘Jackets certainly have all the elements in place, and they also have a sour taste in their mouths after being denied a spot in the state championship game a year ago.

So make sure to come out and support the Yellowjackets when you can this season. Their first scrimmage is this Thursday, April 9^th, home against Lyndon at 4:30. You can also follow Milton Baseball online at www.leaguelineup.com/miltonbaseball, where you’ll find schedules, game results, stats and updates.