OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Tyler Laverriere was looking for new challenge during the off-season.

After spending his last couple of summers keeping his game sharp in the twilight leagues in Portland, Laverriere decided it was time for something different to prepare for his senior season at St. Joseph’s College.

“This is actually the first legit summer league that I’ve played in and it’s been a lot of fun,” Laverriere said following a recent Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide game at The Ball Park in Old Orchard Beach.

“I just wanted play against this kind of competition level. I wanted to test my abilities and after talking to coach (Will) Sanborn at St. Joe’s, we thought it would be good for me to play in a better league to improve and be ready for my senior year.”

The Biddeford native and Raging Tide starter couldn’t have asked for a better start.

Through the first three weeks of the Future’s Collegiate Baseball League season Laverriere has posted a 1-1 record in three starts with a 0.98 ERA, lowest among starters in the League. Opponents are hitting just .183 against the 21 year-old in his 18.1 innings of work.

“He’s really been our most consistent pitcher so far this season,” said Raging Tide head coach George Reidy. “He always goes after the hitter and throws strikes. That’s nice to have on your staff.”

Laverriere’s early season success comes on the heels of a solid junior season at St. Joe’s where he went 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA. In 33.1 innings he struck out 34 batters and walked just 10.         

The fact that his numbers are even better with the Raging Tide is a testament to Laverriere’s abilities as well as the fact that, while he is facing consistently tougher hitters, the opposition is using a wood bat instead of aluminum.

“The difference between this league and college is there are not many cheap hits here because the wood bats will break,” Laverriere said. “With a metal bat (used in college ball) you can’t throw it down the middle because they will just hit it in the gap or something. The bats are definitely a lot different and it changes how you approach batters as compared to college.”

As for his goal while with the Raging Tide, the Biddeford High School graduate keeps it simple. He is intent on concentrating on what has made him successful so far this season.

“I think what’s made me successful so far is throwing lots of strikes,” said Laverriere, an accounting major who has had success with his two-seamer on the inside corner as an out pitch with the Raging Tide. “That’s what everybody has told me here, just throw a lot of strikes and you’ll be fine. That’s what I’ve done so far and it’s worked out.

“I’m really hoping I can maintain what I’m doing and hopefully stay healthy throughout the summer. Pitching consistent like I have been doing is pretty much my main goal this whole season.”

— Contact Mark Jeanneret at 282-1535, Ext. 323.