By Nick Solari, Writing Intern, Quinnipiac University.
(Seth Bernstein with ESPN’s Keith Law in KETTLEERS AUDIO EXTRA)
(Seth Bernstein with Kettleers All-Star OF Rhett Wiseman in KETTLEERS AUDIO EXTRA)
Cotuit Kettleers All-Stars: Jared Walsh, Jake Fincher, Rhett Wiseman, Patrick Corbett. Photo by Joe Cavanaugh
The Cotuit Kettleers sent four players in total to represent the organization in the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game on Saturday afternoon at Red Wilson field.
Outfielder’s Jake Fincher (NC State) and Rhett Wiseman (Vanderbilt), and pitchers Jared Walsh (Georgia) and Patrick Corbett (Coastal Carolina) were in uniform representing the Western Division in Yarmouth. Corbett, however, didn’t throw due to a sore arm.
Jake Fincher was the first Ketttleer to make an appearance in the game. He was the starting center fielder and batted in the two-hole for the Western Division, managed by Cotuit head coach Mike Roberts.
“I think any time you have the opportunity to be involved with an all-star game in the sport of baseball at any level it’s a pleasure,” coach Roberts said. “It’s for the players, so if they’re pleased with their experience you have accomplished the ultimate goal.
Fincher hit a bloop double to right field and later scored the game’s first run in the top half of the first inning. He went 1-2 on the day.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent both Cotuit and my school (NC State),” Fincher said. “It’s always fun playing with some of the best players in this league and around the country.”
Jared Walsh was the second Cotuit player to participate. He threw the second inning, giving up one hit, a walk, and one earned run.
“Two weeks into the season I wasn’t even sure if I was going to come up here to the Cape this year,” Walsh explained. “Thankfully, coach Roberts offered me a temporary contract and now here I am. I’ve had a blast here today.”
Rhett Wiseman rounded out the Kettleers representatives. He entered the game in left field in the fifth inning and went 0-2 on the day.
The East ended up winning the game by the final score of 9-3, holding the West to only five total hits.
Kevin Cron (TCU, Falmouth) won the MVP award for the West, and JD Davis (Cal State Fullerton) won the MVP for the winning-Eastern division.
“I can never fully relax on the baseball field,” coach Roberts said while laughing after the game. “Today, however, was a very fun day for all involved with this league.”
Cotuit is back in action tomorrow as they take on the Y.D. Red Sox. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Lowell Park in Cotuit.