By Sam Blum
July 12, 2014

COTUIT – In 28 games for Cotuit’s starting pitching, not a single player lasted longer than five innings. The team’s combined ERA had approached 5.00. On a nightly basis the starting pitching had taken its team out of games, leaving hardly a hope of coming back.

On Saturday, though, Trey Wingenter delivered what no other starter could in the first month of the season — a quality start.

“It really helps our bullpen when you get a starter to go deep into a game,” Wingenter said. “It takes a lot of stress off the guys that have to throw multiple days in a row. It really keeps us at our strongest.”

Wingenter tossed six innings and allowed just two runs. It was the best start of the season for the Kettleers, who won 5-2 over Wareham after a three-run, eighth-inning home run from Brendan Hendriks.

In the first, Wingenter got around two base runners. After a run in the second inning, he stranded two more, before settling down.

“When you’re getting four innings (from your starter), it just wears on your bullpen,” manager Mike Roberts said. “But today was an ideal situation.”

It was only the second start of the season for the lanky 6-foot-7 pitcher from Auburn. He had been a staple in the bullpen, providing needed innings after short Cotuit starts.

But with players getting released and others getting injured, a spot in the rotation opened up, and Wingenter got his opportunity.

“Trey’s been in the SEC,” Roberts said. “He hasn’t pitched a lot of innings in the SEC. But I’m beginning to see a guy who’s beginning to click in with the understanding of what you have to be to be a quality starter in the Cape League.”

Wingenter worked quickly and efficiently. He located his fastball, and his breaking pitches were nearly unhittable. The Cotuit staff leads the CCBL in walks, but Wingenter allowed just two today.

After the game, Wingenter got celebrity status. Every little kid rushed to get his autograph. Parents, friends, broadcasters, all wanted to talk to him.

“It’s just good to get the team a chance to win,” Wingenter said. “I just go out there every time and try to pitch my best.

“That’s all I’m trying to do.”