By Matt Feldman
Syracuse University

June 17, 2016

Eddie Muhl induced 10 ground balls Friday night against Yarmouth-Dennis. Photo by Brigitte Rec.

Muhl is finding his role on the mound

After Friday’s loss to Yarmouth-Dennis, Kettleers head coach Mike Roberts talked about how he has to develop players into their roles before the team can really get into a groove. One of the players that Roberts has seen fit into a role is left-handed pitcher Eddie Muhl (George Washington), who is developing as a ground ball pitcher.

“I couldn’t care less if he strikes out one guy,” Roberts said. “I just want ground balls.”

Muhl induced most of Y-D’s 10 ground balls Friday, and helped set up the Cotuit defense with three double plays, the first time the Kettleers have done that this season. He struck out just two batters over four and one-third innings.

At one point, after a ground ball single from the Red Sox, Roberts yelled from the dugout, “Atta boy, ground balls. Keep them right there.”

Rigby showed stability from the bullpen

Seeing his first action on the Cape Friday, Ryan Rigby (Mississippi State) looked strong on the mound in relief for Cotuit. The right-handed sidearm-style hurler threw 1.2 innings to close the game, allowing just one run on one hit. Though credited with the loss, Rigby’s fastball was touching the upper 80s, and his control seemed relatively pinpoint.

“it’s his first day out,” Robert’s said. “The ball sinks really well, but we’ve got to add some other pitches.”

Ryan Rigby was solid from the bullpen Friday against Yarmouth-Dennis. Photo by Brigitte Rec.

Ruppenthal has arrived; could pitch as early as Saturday

Vanderbilt pitcher Matt Ruppenthal watched Friday’s game from the stands, wearing an athletic shirt and gym shorts. After the game, he walked onto the field and addressed the team as well as Roberts, then listened in on Roberts’ post-game evaluations.

“He’ll be on the mound, soon as we get him out there,” Roberts said. “He’s thrown a bullpen a acouple days ago, so he’s ready to get out there.”

Ruppenthal is a 6-foot-4 right-hander that posted a 2.33 ERA in 25 appearances and 46.1 innings pitched for the Commodores. He went 5-1 and allowed just 24 hits.