LEWISTON - Apparently, the rough start was well worth it for the Bates College baseball team.

After losing their first six games by an average margin of more than seven runs, the Bobcats returned to Leahey Field on Thursday hoping to brave both the elements and an in-state opponent to get into the win column for the first time this season.

Nate Maxwell keyed a five-run fifth inning by pounding an RBI double to right-center field and Rob Maguire followed with a single to plate Maguire as Bates leapt past the University of Maine at Farmington 9-5 in the rain and snow.

"That double was the turning point for us," said Bates coach Craig Vandersea. "They gave us a break with a couple of errors allowing us to get on base, and he hit one just right."

Those two runs put Bates ahead for good at 5-4.

"Maguire came in right after him and plated Maxwell," said Vandersea. "Those were two clutch hits for us, and it's no surprise that the two captains came through for us."

Billy Karz pitched the final three innings for the Bobcats (1-6), allowing no runs and three hits while striking out three. Karz came to the forefront last season as a starter, going 2-3 with an ERA under four. This year, Vandersea has elected to use Karz in a closing role.

"He drives us crazy sometimes," said Vandersea, "but he helped us win a lot of games last season. He is tough late in the game, and that's when we like to use him."

The Beavers (0-2) nearly came back from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning. Ben Smith singled and advanced to second when Karz hit Eric Cummings in the calf with a pitch. After Smith made it to third on a fielder's choice, UMF loaded the bases with a walk. Karz escaped the threat by inducing a force out at home and retiring the final batter on ground out to the second baseman that might have gone for two runs had Karz not scampered to first to cover the base.

"Early on this season, we have been making some great plays here and there, but nothing has been consistent," said Vandersea. "Hopefully this starts something for us in the field and at the plate, too."

John Ribas picked up the win for the Bobcats, throwing the middle three innings. Jeff Casavant took the loss for UMF after giving up seven of the nine runs in just five innings.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com