STONINGTON — The Stonington baseball team had a guest onlooker in the dugout for its season-opening game Saturday against Lyman Memorial.

It was retired coach Bob Cahoone, who quietly observed the game and must have liked what he saw from the Bears and first-year varsity coach Billy Keane.

Keane, who pitched for Cahoone before graduating in ’16, looked like a seasoned manager, guiding the Bears to an 11-1 mercy-rule win over the visitors from Lebanon in what was a rematch of the 2024 ECC Division II Tournament championship.

The rosters have turned over since then as have the head coaches. This was Lyman’s first game since the retirement of 38-year coach Marty Gomez, who was 513-258 in his distinguished career.

The Bears rolled out five new starters from last year’s 19-win team that reached the Class M semifinals in one of Stonington’s best seasons in decades. One key returnee, however, made his presence felt in a big way.

Senior Cam Ogden, a returning All-State pitcher, started on the mound and struck out six in three hitless innings, brandishing a 90 mile an hour fastball. He showed power at the plate as well, blasting a two-run homer in the first inning, well over the 320-foot left-field fence.

Ogden is going to Division I George Washington for his pitching, but he can supply power at the plate as well.

“I got a hanging curve ball and launched it,” Ogden said. “I bat third and am being counted on to contribute at bat. I’m looking forward to the season. I think some people are underestimating us.”

Stonington moves up to ECC Division II this season after winning the DIII regular season title last year. Ogden will be the workhorse ace with Wolfradt, Sean Durham and others filling out the rotation.

Keane showed he had a plan, using Ogden for just three innings when he looked destined to fire a no-hitter. Reliever Brayden Wolfradt finished up with two strong innings as Stonington’s offensive leader with three hits, including two doubles.

“We have a tough upcoming week with a game at NFA and another tough one Thursday against Montville where Cam will get the ball again,” Keane said. “We have four games in seven days. Cam got out with 40 pitches, which is great for April 4. There was no reason for him to go a complete game today.”

Stonington scored four in the first inning. Aside from Ogden’s homer, the Bears pulled off a double steal for a run and received an RBI double from Wolfradt (3-for-3, two doubles, two RBI). First-year junior catcher Evan West singled home two runs in the third for a 6-0 lead. He doubled home a run in a three-run fourth and finished with two hits and three RBI.

West has the tough task of replacing Jace Wolfradt, a Class M All-State catcher last year, who is now a utility player for Rhode Island College. Wolfradt batted well over .400 as the leadoff batter a year ago.

“It was a good first game,” West said. “This is my first year as an everyday catcher, so I’m excited about it. I’ve caught a number of pitchers in my career but none as special as Cam. He has four pitches and throws very hard with control.”

Keane welcomed West, third baseman Matteo Panciera (a double and three walks at leadoff), outfielders Tyler Cimini and Wyatt Loughlean and Nate Machinski as first-time starters. Odgen and shortstop Michael Keefe are returning ECC All-Stars, and Wolfradt and Durham are returning starters.

“We replaced five starters but we still plan to be successful,” Keane said. “The new starters looked great today.”