By: Nick Solari, Writing Intern, Quinnipiac University
June 25, 2013
WAREHAM – Prior to Tuesday night in Wareham, the Kettleers had made 19 errors in six games and struggled at times offensively. Putting both together had become a challenge at times. After starting off the season at 6-1, Cotuit’s inconsistency led them to a 2-2 record in four games.
Tonight was much different, as the Kettleers made no errors, smacked 11 hits, and defeated the Gatemen 9-2.
Kevin Bradley went 3-3, with 2 walks, 2 RBI’s. Photo by Joe Cavanaugh
“We’ve just been putting in a lot of extra work as a team,” third basemen Kevin Bradley (Clemson) said afterwards. “Everyone feels more confortable at the plate, and that has a big impact.”
Bradley paced the Cotuit offense, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances. He was 3-for-3 with two walks and two RBI’s.
“I’ve played progressively better as the season has gone out,” Bradley commented. “I’m just cutting down on my swing.”
Ben Smith (Coastal Carolina) got the start tonight on the mound for Cotuit. He went 6.0 innings, gave up five hits, two runs, walked one, and struck out eight. The 6.0 innings he pitched are tied for a team-high so far this season.
“He (Ben Smith) set the tone to the game.,” Kettleers head coach Mike Roberts said. When you come out throwing strikes with more than one pitch and are around the plate consistently, you’re going to get good results. That’s exactly what he did.”
It is the second win of the season for Smith, who has struck out 15 opposing batters in 13.2 innings.
Ben Smith set the tone for the game. Photo by Joe Cavanaugh
“I felt good out there today,” Smith said. “I was able to stay ahead, work at a good pace, and not give up too many walks. The offense did the rest of the work.”
Patrick Corbett (Coastal Carolina) pitched the final 3.0 innings, giving up one hit, allowing no runs, and striking out two.
Will Remillard, also of Coastal Carolina, had a bases loaded single in the top half of the seventh that drove in two runs.
“Tonight had a Coastal Carolina theme,” Roberts said. “Both Ben (Smith) and Patrick Corbett pitched well, then Remillard came in and got the pinch-hit to drive in two. All three guys were good.”
The Kettleers took the lead in the top of the second when Steven Duggar (Clemson) grounded out to second base, driving in Yale Rosen (Washington State). Rosen was 2-for-3 on the night with an RBI.
Duggar worked a 3-2 count, fouled off two pitches the other way, then put the eight pitch into play to give his team a 1-0 advantage.
Later in the inning Rhett Wiseman (Vanderbilt) hit a sac fly to center field, scoring Kevin Bradley (Clemson).
Wiseman was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI’s and a walk, while Bradley was 3-for-3 with 2 RBI’s. Seven Kettleers had a base hit in the contest.
With the win Cotuit is now 8-4 on the season, trailing only Hyannis by a half a game for first place in the Western Division.
They have a day off tomorrow, and play Wareham at home on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.