by Evan Barber (Living the Dream Blog)
Interviews by Evan Barber and Andrew Brooks : Barrett Barnes, Coach Trundy, Coach Roberts
June 24, 2011
COTUIT – With one out in the 5th, down 2-0, Falmouth Commodore Barrett Barnes (Texas Tech) stepped to the plate, with runners on first and second. With a 2-2 count Kyle Zimmer (San Francisco) delivered a fastball that Barnes put the sweet spot of the bat on and sent for a ride to the gap in right-center field. Barnes legged out a triple that drove in both Jake Rodreguiz (Oregon State), and Spencer Kieboom (Clemson) to tie the game. Zimmer went on to give up back-to-back RBI hits to give Falmouth a two run lead that they would never hand back.Early on it seemed the Kettleers were going to break out of their three-game losing streak. Zimmer looked as if he could have another dominant night as he sat down the first four Commodores batters, and through four gave up just two hits.“Kyle is a very good pitcher but he just needs to stay ahead in the count more.” said Coach Mike Roberts of his pitchers performance.
The Kettleers bats were alive early as well; scoring two runs in the second inning on four hits. The life however was short lived. Cotuit hit the ball just four times the entire rest of the game.
It was a quiet night for Cape League player of the week Victor Roache (Georgia Southern). Roache was intentionally walked his first two times at the plate and flew out in his third and final at bat of the evening.
The Cotuit bullpen looked strong tonight showing the depth at the pitcher spot that the Kettleers possess. Kendall Graveman (Mississippi State) came on in relief for Zimmer and worked himself out of a jam in the 5th. He then worked himself into a jam in the 6th. Cullen Park (Tennessee Tech) would come on in relief. Park came on with the bases loaded and just one out. After giving up and infield hit, Park retired the final 11 batters in order.
Commodore pitcher Andrew Heaney (Oklahoma State) settled down and found his stuff after his early struggles. Heaney went 5 full and struck out six to earn the win.
“Andrew threw the ball very very well, and I was very pleased with his outing. I mean he got in trouble a couple of times but I thought he made some big pitches to get out of jams.” said coach Jeff Trundy, field manager of the Commodores.
The Kettleers need to develop short-term memory this weekend as they travel to Wareham (5-7) tomorrow in an attempt to end this 4 game slide. First pitch is at 7. Hope to see you there.