The Boothbay Region baseball team smacked seven hits and scored three runs against Saint Dom’s Academy Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to overcome spotty fielding and relief pitching. The Saints defeated the Seahawks 12-3 at Sherman Field. 

Boothbay Region’s hitters struggled in the first two games. Against St. Doms, Boothbay scored three times in the fourth inning. Third baseman Zach Vise went 3-for-3. He had a double and two singles. Second baseman Carter Babcock doubled. Shortstop Julian Aponte, center fielder Xavier Downing, and designated hitter Michael Ripley all singled.

The seven hits were an improvement for a lineup that has struggled in the early going, but Boothbay Region coach Josh Garneau said to score runs the hitters need to deliver with runners on base.

“It was nice to see the bats starting to come alive,” Garneau said. “There was even a couple real gappers. But we’re still not getting enough timely hits to drive in runs.”

Another challenge facing the Seahawks is in the bullpen.

“Our relievers aren’t throwing enough strikes. You can’t stay in the game walking batters,” Garneau said.

There has been bright spots in the Seahawks’ first three games, which included losses to Wiscasset and Hall-Dale. Garneau is pleased with the team’s attitude.

“When we get behind, the guys are still battling. They come in and focus on having good bats, and in the field looking to make the next play,” he said.

Boothbay Region travels to Winthrop on Friday to play the Ramblers. And on Monday, the Seahawks travel to Rumford for a game against Mountain Valley.