This summer the Sanford Mainers have truly lived up to their name, with three local players on the team. Sanford signed pitcher Mark Schmidt of Gorham and left fielder Anthony D’Alfonso of Westbrook earlier this summer. Now the team has added lefthander Andrew Keirstead of Westbrook to their roster for the stretch drive.
Keirstead wrapped up his sophomore season at St. Joseph’s College in May where he led the team with a 6-3 record with 15 appearances as the Monks earned the Greater Northeast Athletic Conference Championship. Keirstead earned the save in the title game that gave the Monks their third straight NCAA tourney berth.
Keirstead made 10 starts for the Monks in 2008 with four complete games and one shutout. He earned two saves. In 68.2 innings pitched, Keirstead struck out 33 and compiled a 4.72 earned run average.
In the 2008 GNAC tournament, Keirstead sparkled and was named the tournament MVP. He pitched 11.1 innings in three games and earned a complete game victory in the quarterfinals over Suffolk University. In the prelims, he pitched an inning of relief and pitched another 1.1 innings in the title game to nail down the win. He had a 2.38 ERA in the tourney and allowed just three earned runs.
Now Keirstead turns his attention to the Mainers as they make their push for seeding position in the NECBL playoffs after having already clinched a playoff berth. Keirstead is expected to pitch out of the bullpen with the chance of a spot start.
The Mainers headed into the 2008 NECBL All-Star game in first place in the Northern Division with a 22-11 record.
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