Stony Brook, N.Y.  - Fran Whitten hit a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning to lead Maine to an 8-3 win over UAlbany in the first elimination game of the America East Conference Baseball Tournament at Joe Nathan Field. UAlbany finishes up the season at 22-32-1 overall.

            The Great Danes struck first, scoring three runs in the first inning, getting an RBI double by Mike Tirri and a two-RBI single by Josh Nethaway. Maine responded in the bottom of the frame, however, scoring seven of its eight total runs. A bunt single by Mike Fransoso scored the first run for the Black Bears, before a bases-loaded walk cut the lead to 3-2. Ian Leisenheimer brought in the second run with an RBI single through the right side before Whitten knocked a 1-1 pitch over the right field fence to end the scoring in the frame.

            The teams played five scoreless innings before Maine plated its final run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Tyler Patzalek that sent Fransoso home. DJ Voisine pitched two more scoreless innings for the Black Bears to keep Maine alive and send the Great Danes home early.

            Tirri recorded two hits, including a double for UAlbany in his final game in a Great Dane uniform, while DJ Hoagboon also knocked out two hits. Junior Nolan Gaige, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, finished with a triple, while junior Jeff Welsh recorded the only stolen base of the game. Senior Sean Lucas took the loss for the Great Danes, going 6.1 innings with three strikeouts. Classmate Ryan White tossed the final 1.2 frames, allowing just one hit while fanning two.