By: Sean Bailey, Writing Intern, Providence College
August 10, 2013
Cotuit 9 Bourne 2
-Cotuit grabbed the first win of the Western Division Finals with a convincing 9-2 win over the Braves. Cotuit now has won three in a row and are one win away from clinching a spot in the Cape Cod League Championship Series. Cotuit squares off with the Braves Sunday at 6 p.m.
Big Exits
-Both Cotuit and Bourne absorbed some serious losses heading into the Western Division Finals. Bourne has lost Cape Cod League MVP Max Pentecost (Kennesaw State), and reliever Justin McCalvin (Kennesaw State) left the team because their classes are starting soon. Hunter Cole (Georgia) and Jared Walsh (Georgia) left Cotuit for the same reasons. Bradley Zimmer (University of San Francisco) got the start in center to replace Cole.
Bryson Keeps Bringing the Hits
-Caleb Bryson (Samford) recorded his sixth hit of the season with one out in the second inning. It just so happens that his sixth hit was his fifth homer. In the third he almost connected on his sixth homer, but he just got under the pitch and flew out to the warning track in center. Bryson would end the day going 2 for 4. His second hit was a single.
Over and Out
-Cotuit hitters have done a great job coming up with the timely long ball. Cotuit has knocked five homers these playoffs. Bryson knocked a solo shot to take the lead in the second then Austin Byler (Nevada) parked his second two-run shot at Lowell Park in the playoffs to swell Cotuit’s lead to 3-0.
Bringing ‘Em Home
-Cotuit did a fantastic job not stranding any runners on Saturday. Through four innings the Kettleers had seven hits which produced seven runs, and they only left two runners on base through those highly productive innings. Bourne meanwhile put runners on first and second three times in the first four innings and loaded the bases in the sixth. They left all nine runners on in these innings. This was crucial in helping the Kettleers jump all over the Braves early. Through the game the Kettleers stranded only six. Cotuit had nine runs on thirteen hits.
What is in an Order Anyways?
-Cotuit got great offensive production Saturday, thought it was not from a normal section of the lineup. Normally, the top five of a lineup are counted upon to produce. However, the Kettleers received most of their production from the bottom half of the order, the 5-9 guys. Through four innings these guys accounted for all seven runs, two homers, three RBIs, and six of the seven hits. In the game, these guys went 9 for 16 with four RBIs and three walks.
Everyone is at Lowell Park
-Cotuit and Lowell Park are always known for attracting quite the crowd. This Saturday though the Kettleers drew a season high 2,869 fans.
Errors are Everything
-Throughout the season, Manager Mike Roberts has stressed the importance of his defense. At times the Kettleers’ defense has proven a major liability. But when the Kettleers have fielded well, they have won. This trend has continued into the playoffs. Cotuit is undefeated when they make one error or less.
Doing it All
-Garrett Stubbs (Southern California) has had himself quite a week since arriving in Cotuit. Stubbs has seven hits and four RBIs, including the walk-off game winner in Game Two of the first round.