By Sam Blum
June 20, 2014

In Cotuit’s first seven games of the season, no starting pitcher lasted longer than 4 1/3 innings.

The past two starters had lasted a combined two innings before getting pulled.

On Friday, Sam Tewes (Wichita State) turned the pendulum.

“It was real nice,” Tewes said. “It felt good. It’s nice weather. Everything kinda worked.“

Tewes lasted five innings and didn’t give up an earned run, but the Kettleers still fell to Orleans, 3-0 at Lowell Park. Cotuit manager Mike Roberts has had a short leash with all of his pitchers as he tries to establish a more concrete rotation.

And despite the loss, Tewes, who pitched out of the bullpen in his only other appearance seemed to solidify that spot in the rotation.

“I felt like I could push and pull,” Tewes said. “And that’s always what Coach Roberts talks about, pushing and pulling guys away from the plate.”

A two-base throwing error by Drew Jackson at third base led off the third inning. Johnny Sewald eventually came around to score on a double, but the run was unearned.

Tewes had a runner at third and two outs. He struck out RJ Ybarra swinging, but the ball got through Ian Rice’s (Chipola State) legs which allowed another unearned run to cross the plate.

“He did a really good job,” Roberts said. “We booted a couple balls behind him. Anytime you look up on the board and there’s a couple errors it’s gonna be a problem, and you’re not gonna win many games.”

Roberts was happy with what he got out of Tewes, and it was sorely needed. The past two starting pitchers, Matthew Vogel and Blake Stevens were released following their starts.

Friday was one step closer to developing a rotation that Roberts said is on the verge of being finalized.

“We’re moving toward the starters that are gonna be there for most of the season,” Roberts said. “I think you’ll see that every day now.”