by Zach Kaplan
Penn State University
June 30, 2018

SOUTH YARMOUTH– Baseball is truly a game that has its ups and downs. For both a team and an individual player, the game changes on a daily basis. Between the lineups, fielding alignments, and starting pitchers, no two days at the ballpark are the same.

Every baseball player understands this, and Cory Wood (Coastal Carolina) is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of the game. Wood was able to break out of early adversity at the plate today, with three hits of Cotuit’s seven hits today as the Kettleers lost 4-1 to Y-D.

“In the past week or so, I’ve focused on staying back a little more,” said Wood after the game. “Just was able to find holes today and take advantage of it at the plate.”

Coach Mike Roberts was also pleased with the progress Wood has made at the plate, as the infielder made his 15th Cotuit appearance on Saturday.

“Cory knows he got off to a slow start,” said Roberts after Saturday’s game. “But he’s worked on his swing, trying to get the ball into the outfield a bit more instead of rolling over the ball. I was happy for him, I know he wants to help us.

Cory Wood (Coastal Carolina) rounds the bases after a solo home run against Bourne on June 18, 2018.

Wood started 57 games at Coastal Carolina this past season, with a .296/.390/.435 slash line, with 52 walks and 17 stolen bases. Cory took advantage of Sun Belt pitching as was voted second team all-conference. He was also named a Freshman All-American, and voted as the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2017.

Wood, like any Kettleer, has adjusted to wooden bats in the Cape League. While it can be tough for some players, Wood feels like he has been able to adjust to the style of batting.

“That has a little bit to do with it, because you have to be perfect with the wood [bat]. The pitching up here is top notch, you can’t really take an at-bat off.”

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wood was a top recruit in North Carolina in high school. Ranked as a two-time honorable mention All-American by Perfect Game, Cory was also among the top 25 prospects in the state coming out of high school.

So while he’s used to playing baseball year-round and facing good pitching, he acknowledged the level of pitching talent that exists in the Cape League.  

“Guys up here just throw harder,” said Wood. “The speed, combined with guys spotting up can make it pretty tough.”

Cory and the rest of the Kettleers will get back at it on Sunday, when they host the Chatham Anglers at Lowell Park. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m.