By Matt Feldman
Syracuse University

June 18, 2016

Cory Voss hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the fifth inning Saturday. Photo by Brigitte Rec.

The Kettleers are good at punching back

In the bottom of the fourth inning in Saturday’s game at Brewster, Kettleers (1-7) pitcher Matt Ladrech (UC Berkely) allowed three runs behind two walks and single. Down 3-1, Cotuit had to punch back. The Kettleers did just that, thanks to a Cory Voss pinch-hit grand slam over the scoreboard in left field.

“Soto, a good friend of mine, was erratic on the mound,” Voss said. “I just tried to be aggressive on the first pitch.”

The grand slam put the Kettleers back in the game, up 5-3 on the Whitecaps.

Catching is still an issue

After Saturday’s game, Roberts said that catchers have been dropping way too many balls. He said it’s a league with a plethora of great pitchers, and the catchers need to start adjusting to the velocities and breaking balls of the Kettleer hurlers.

After his pinch hit appearance in the fifth inning, Voss was substituted as the catcher for Albie Weiss.

“(Roberts) used David Ross as a good example for the Cubs,” Voss said. “A good pitcher is right along with his good catcher.”

Jeren Kendall is going to be playing for Cotuit until he joins Team USA

Jeren Kendall (Vanderbilt), a 2015 Kettleer, was in the crowd watching on Saturday. After the game, it was confirmed by both Kendall and Roberts that Kendall will be playing for Cotuit until he joins team USA. According to Roberts, Kendall will play “every game” until he leaves.

“Sitting at home is not too fun, so I called Roberts and he said it’s okay,” Kendall said. “(Cotuit’s) offense needs a cleanup; I’m not the solution, but I can help I think.”

Kendall batted .332 for Vanderbilt this season with 83 hits and eight home runs.