LEWISTON — Six pitchers and a seven-run third inning helped the Bates baseball team prevail over Plymouth State 7-0 on Thursday in the Bobcats first game of 2018 at Leahey Field.

Brendan Smith, Cameron Carlson, Will Slayne, Mark Russell, Peter Schuldt and Ryan Moralejo combined to hold the Panthers to just three hits.

Zach Avila, Jack Arend and Will Sylvia each had two hits for Bates (5-9).

The Bobcats travel to Colby for a NESCAC doubleheader on Saturday afternoon.

Softball

Bates 8, Thomas 3

LEWISTON — Payton Buxton drove in three runs and earned the win as the Bates College softball team defeated Thomas College 8-3 in the Bobcats’ home opener Thursday.

Payton joined Kirsten Pelletier and Jevan Sandhu to hold the Terriers to four hits.

The Bobcats (10-6) scored seven unearned runs in the third inning.

Bates opens NESCAC play with a home doubleheader Saturday starting at 1 p.m.