by Nick Solari, Intern Writer from Quinnipiac University
June 21, 2013
(Kettle Talk with Alexa Galloway PREGAME and POSTGAME)
(Video Highlights by Connor Sullivan HERE)
HARWICH – The Cotuit Kettleers looked like they were on their way to a sixth straight win heading into the bottom half of the seventh inning. Starting pitcher Chris Ellis (Mississippi) had a no-hitter going and was making quick work of the Harwich lineup.
In the home-half of that inning, however, things quickly fell apart.
Branden Coggswell (Virginia) reached to begin the inning on an error by Cotuit second basemen Max Schrock (South Carolina). Derek Fisher then doubled to deep centerfield, driving in Coggswell. It was the first hit the Ellis surrendered all night, and the Mariners never looked back.
Harwich went on to score two more runs in the eight inning and defeat the Kettleers 3-2 on Friday night at Whitehouse Field. They only had two on the night, Fisher’s RBI double and an Aaron Barbosa (Northeastern) single.
Ellis went 6.0 innings, gave up one hit, struck out three, and walked two. He surrendered the one unearned run in the seventh.
“Chris threw the ball really well,” coach Roberts said after the game. “He did a great job, and did what we teach. He worked quickly and threw strikes.”
The Kettleers made four errors in the game, and none of the runs they surrendered were earned.
“I thought I threw pretty good today,” Ellis said. “It was just one of those days where nothing fell our way. If we tighten things up defensively we should be alright moving forward.”
The Cotuit defense has now made 17 errors on the season, 10 in the last three games.
“The coach’s job is to practice these players so that they are efficient in every area of the game,” Roberts said. “Tonight we showed some weaknesses in those areas, and it’s my job to sure them up. We’ll get right back out there tomorrow.”
The Kettleers scored their lone run in the top of the fifth inning. Danny Diekroeger hit a one-out single, then proceeded to steal second base. Rhett Wiseman hit a bloop single to center, putting Cotuit on top 1-0 at the time.
Mike Ford was 3-for-4 on the night with a double. He is now 7-for-11 in the Kettleers last three games.
Hunter Cole (Georgia) was 1-for-2 and walked twice.
Evan Beal (South Carolina) pitched the final two innings. He struck out three and gave up two unearned runs.
With the loss Cotuit is now 6-2 on the season. They look to bounce back tomorrow as they host the Bourne Braves at 5 p.m.