With a definitive three-game sweep over rival Bowdoin College on April 4, baseball cemented their mid-season record as one of the best the team has ever achieved.
On April 3 in Brunswick, Bates scored consistently in five of nine innings to take the game 5-3. Then, at home in the next day’s double-header, they won their first game 2-1 in seven innings and then put up a massive eight-run third inning to win the second game 10-1.
Outfielder Jack Margiloff ‘26 delivered the game-winning RBI in the morning and then returned with four RBIs in game two. Margiloff leads the team and is currently third in the league with a .431 batting average and 31 hits as of April 9.
It was baseball’s first sweep of Bowdoin since 2019, which was also their last time winning a series over the Polar Bears.
“It was what we worked for the whole year. We knew that we had the team that was able to do it,” Margiloff said. “And I think it definitely gives us the confidence to stay hot and keep playing those kinds of games.”
Now 16-3 as of April 9 and 4-2 in conference play, this year’s baseball team has put the woes of the last few years behind them and are rocketing past most opponents.
“It’s great to win,” pitcher John Tully ‘26 said. “We’ve definitely had our struggles over the past couple years.”
At this point in the 2025, 2024, and 2023 seasons, the team’s record was 6-13, 11-9, and 7-9, respectively. Tully and Margiloff say senior leadership has been key in turning the tide this season.
“The senior class has done a great job leading from the top this year,” Margiloff said. “I think that almost all of our classes contributed in our own way, and I think that’s really important, especially when you’re trying to push through and break out…I think there’s just a confidence from the senior class that set the tone for the year.”
Tully said taking on this role has been meaningful to him.
“To be seniors and leaders on the team and hopefully guide the future for the younger classes to see what success looks like this year is great,” he said.
Tully leads the team in innings pitched (35) with an ERA of 1.80. It’s his second season as a team leader in pitching. Nolan Hobbs ‘27 currently leads the NESCAC with a 1.29 ERA. Bates overall is currently top of the NESCAC in pitching with a 3.82 team ERA as of April 9, and Tully credits pitching coach Dale Plummer with improving the team’s performance on the mound.
“He’s a great pitching coach…I feel like a good routine adds confidence,” Tully said.
Alongside Margiloff, another leader in batting is Gibby Sullivan ‘26 with 39 RBIs. He also credits pitching for advancing the team’s success this year.
“Playing behind a pitching staff that throws strikes and competes every game makes winning baseball games a lot easier,” Sullivan said via text.
Margiloff also attributed this year’s success to a new lifting program created by Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Kayleigh Fournier, adding that the team is stronger and more game-ready.
“She’s done a phenomenal job. She’s done custom programs for us,” Margiloff said. “I think that just instills more confidence.”
Additionally, the team has spent more time bonding both on- and off-campus.
“There’s more activities we do as a team, like team bonding stuff in the fall, and competitive games,” Margiloff said. “Whether it’s just like kickball or something like that, I think it’s all been helpful to keep everybody together.”
The team also traveled to Florida over March break to compete in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational, going 4-0 against non-division teams.
“It definitely was great for momentum going into conference play, to get four wins down there and keep it rolling,” Margiloff said.
But even further, the Florida trip offers the team important bonding opportunities. They share a house, cook their own food, and feel “independent,” Margiloff said.
“You’re spending more time with underclassmen, underclassmen are spending more time with upperclassmen,” he added. “I think that’s important as you go throughout the season.”
Both Margiloff and Tully gave credit to the team’s underclassmen, who they say have “gotten significantly better since we’ve been here.”
“The sophomore class are total rock stars,” Margiloff said. “I mean, most of them are starters in our lineup, which is ridiculous, but the sophomore class has a lot of contributors.”
Now ranked 23rd nationally and first in NESCAC as of April 9, Bates baseball is gaining attention, earning regional coverage from outlets like WGME.
And to the players, it has truly been all about the team.
“I think I’ve had a lot more confidence at the plate, and I think that comes with confidence in my teammates,” Margiloff said. “When I’m at bat, I just feel like there are eight other guys in our lineup that can do the job, and that definitely takes a lot of pressure off me and allows me to do my job even better.”
