by Evan Barber
Interview by Andrew Brooks: Coach Farris
July 27, 2011
WAREHAM – The 2-1 victory over Cotuit locked the Wareham Gatemen into the third playoff spot in the Western Division. With just four games remaining, the Cotuit Kettleers and the Falmouth Commodores will battle for the final spot.
The Gatemen came ready to play, scoring both of their runs in the home half of the first inning. With one out Brandon Thomas (Georgia Tech) ripped a double to the gap in left center. Rob Refsnyder (Arizona) followed up the double with one of his own, to the same spot, to score Thomas. Refsnyder stole third, and then scored two pitches later when his fellow Wildcat Johnny Field (Arizona) singled him in.
Local boy Stephan Perakslis (Maine) from Abington, MA got the start for the Gatemen and pitched well. Perakslis went four full for the Gatemen and allowed no runs on just two hits. Perakslis fanned three Cotuit batters and walked just one.
Cotuit’s lone run came in the 7th. Wareham brought in new pitcher Dillon Newman (Baylor), the bear got a warm welcome from his college teammate. Logan Vick (Baylor) roped a triple to left center to lead off the inning. Kevin Roundtree (Southern California) put one to right center for a double that scored Vick. With no outs Kyle Wren (Georgia Tech) pinch hit for Stefan Sabol (Oregon) and grounded out, moving Roundtree to third. The Kettleers couldn’t find a way to plate Roundtree and tie the game.
Kaleb Fleck (Pittsburgh-Johnstown) started for Cotuit and went just 2 ⅓ innings giving up two runs on three hits. Fleck was relieved by Alex Keudell (Oregon).
The Duck looked good out of the bullpen for the second time in a row. Keudell went 3 ⅔ and gave up just two hits and struck out three.
Wareham closer Konner Wade (Arizona) slammed the door shut in the ninth, earning his 9th save of the year. Wade gave up just one hit to Vick and sat the other two batters he faced down. Wade will pitch the 8th inning of tomorrow night’s all-star game at Fenway.
Logan Vick had another all-star worthy performance going 3 for 4 for the second night in a row. Vick also scored the Kettleer’s only run.
Time is short for Cotuit as they still sit 5 points behind the Commodores. Falmouth (17-22-0) plays host to the Kettleers (13-24-3) on Saturday July 30th at 5:30. It is a must win for Cotuit as it would put them just 3 points behind Falmouth. If Falmouth is to win, it would end the playoff dreams for this year’s Cotuit boys of summer.