NORTH EAST, MD – The Raiders' ballyard is still mostly covered with snow, but FM got their baseball season under way in the relative warmth of northeastern Maryland on Friday. The Raiders took on the Division II Seahawks of Cecil College and won their Opening Day game 5-1. Playing conditions were good, with temps in the low 50s and intermittent sun.

The FM Nine played errorless ball in winning the first game. Cecil College came back and won the second game of the doubleheader 5-2.

In all, it was a fine opening day for the Raiders. They stroked 11 hits, producing seven runs, and made only one error in the 14 innings of play. Christopher Rockefeller had a huge day for the Blue & White, with five hits, including two doubles, in seven at bats.

Joe Nellis was on the mound for FM in Game One. William Hewitt came on in relief and pitched five strong innings, earning the win. Nellis and Andrew Houser both drilled two-run doubles in the season opener.

The Seahawks came back to win Game Two. FM's Tim Gordon had two hits. Freshman right-hander Christian Maldonado started for the Raiders.

Head Coach Dave Hennessey was pleased with the team's Opening Day effort. "We're happy overall," stated Hennessey, adding, "The first game went well. In the second game we had opportunities but just didn't take advantage of them."

The two teams will meet again on Sunday for a doubleheader. The first pitch is set for noon. Coach Hennessey will be handing the ball to Sam Flood for the first game. Lefty Chris Rockefeller will be on the hill for Game Two. Both FM hurlers will be making their first collegiate starts.

Game One

FMCC   004 100 0 - 5 6 0

Cecil     000 000 1 - 1 2 1

Nellis, Hewitt (3) and Houser; Heckert and Pena

Winning Pitcher:  Hewitt (1-0)

Game Two

FMCC   000 011 0 - 2 5 1

Cecil     103 001 x - 5 7 0

Maldonado, Holmes (3), Gravel (6) and Hecht, Chrisman (6); Rogers, Doherty (5), Mikell (6) and O'Brien, Emery (7)

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