'We're friends, and we want to win': Auburn shores up preparation for Senior League East Regionals in Maine

AUBURN — The town's youth baseball résumé, headlined by championships at various levels and journeys to out-of-state regional tournaments, is one of the most eye-catching in Central Mass. And that Auburn résumé has become more impressive with the recent state championship captured by the Little League Seniors.

The state championship, a comeback success over Swansea, propelled hard-working Auburn to the next level, Little League Baseball's Senior League Eastern Regional Tournament. The tournament takes place this week in Bangor, Maine. Auburn, sporting a roster of athletes ages 14-16, plays its tourney opener against Pennsylvania at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Other teams in the double-elimination tournament are from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maryland and Connecticut.

No matter the opponent, expect Auburn to bring the total package to the diamond.

Though it can hit, Auburn doesn't overwhelm opponents with high-octane offense, opting instead to make contact, keep the ball in play and run the bases aggressively. Auburn can score, too, as evidenced by its 15 runs in the District 5 title tilt.

Auburn actually is at its best when making the plays in the field, thanks in part to a strong up-the-middle defense. Auburn also gets the most from its pitching, led Jordan McFadden and Bryce Everson.

"Jordan has pretty much been our number one, and he has thrown great, and he also has the most experience," Auburn manager Matt Martin said. "He's kind of our fast pitcher. He has the highest velocity and is our most overpowering pitcher."

Auburn defeated Oxford in the District 5 championship game. This was followed by a 2-0 pool-play run in the state sectionals, highlighted by an exciting win over Worcester rival Joe Schwartz.

Auburn's clash with Swansea in the state final was a rematch of last year's state title game (also won by Auburn). After falling behind, 4-0, Auburn roared back to gain a 6-4 victory.

"Offensively, the first three innings this year, we've had trouble getting anything going, so we had to battle back," Martin said. "When we face adversity, we have to battle. We keep battling, and then we start to hit."

"Bryce came on in relief of Jordan in the third inning, and he was lights out," Martin added. "Bryce was really firing. He mixed his pitches up well, and he kept their hitters off balance. The defense was great, too."

Auburn's offense had a host of heroes. After closing to within 4-2, Auburn tied the score, 4-4, when Luke Martin knocked in two runs. This set the stage for some Ty Goodrich dramatics in the top of the seventh inning. Auburn loaded the bases with no outs. However, Swansea's pitcher retired the next two batters. Goodrich saved the day with a two-run single up the middle. Everson sealed the deal by throwing blanks in the bottom of the inning.

"We've got some momentum going into the regional tournament," manager Martin said. "But these teams that we play will be tough. It won't be easy, but we'll give it our best."

Going all out and giving his best is something that comes naturally for Everson, a 14-year-old who plays center field when he's not on the mound. In a pinch, the Everson also can catch.

"I came to Auburn (after playing in Worcester's Ty Cobb League) and I started playing baseball, and I loved it," Everson said. "I was school choice, and I ended up in Auburn, and I couldn't be happier.

"I love this team," he added. "The guys are great. We're friends, and we want to win. Playing baseball in the summer with your friends. That's what it's all about."

Everson, a left-handed pitcher, is adept at changing up his pitches and confusing batters. He looks at his Auburn teammates and sees good things.

"We're good defensively, but we don't score a lot, especially in the early innings," Everson said. "But once we get to like the fifth inning, we hit. But we've got to hit earlier. We'll be a better team if we hit early in the game."

Though shortstop/pitcher Luke Martin likes Auburn's pitching and hitting, he's quick to credit the defense, particularly second base, shortstop and center field.

"That up-the-middle defense is very important," Martin, 15, said. "But this is a team that knows how to win — we showed that against Swansea. Guys on this team have played on other championship teams in this program. A lot of us have been together for a long time. We've played in big games together. And it's all great fun. I love playing and I love all my teammates."

First baseman Matt Friedland, 14, is ready for the trek to Maine.

"We've got a good group — everybody contributes," Friedland said. "We'll go up there and do our best. I do whatever is asked of me. I can hit pretty good. I can pull it or go to the opposite field.

"But with this team, it's all about starting slow and finishing strong," Friedland added. "Our guys never give up. We know each other, and many of us have played together for a number of years. And we're together off the field, too. We hang out, and we play basketball."

Other contributors include Adrian Callahan, Liam Doyle, Dom Freitas, Jimmy McGlynn, Owen Morrow, Jayden Ortiz, Cam Patraitis, Chase Reyes, Patrick Sancier, Rex Vartabedian and Zack Wetzel. The assistant coaches are Matt Morrow and Dave Goodrich.

"We're just looking to play hard and have a good run," manager Martin said. "Playing in the East Regional Tournament will be a great experience for our kids, especially since we're so young. And we'd certainly like to get back to the East Regionals next year."

—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Auburn shores up preparation for Senior League East Regionals in Maine