By Will Kraus, Bates College
Photos by Josh Muir, Endicott College
July 8, 2019
The Kettleers (12-10-2) moved into first place in the West Division with an 11-5 victory over the Wareham Gatemen (12-11-1).
McWhorter Mashes
Mason McWhorter’s (Georgia Southern) bat was knocking balls all over Spillane Field on
McWhorter swings at Wareham
Monday night in a 3-5 performance with three RBI.
McWhorter lined a double down the third base line in the first for a pair of RBI and absolutely crushed a ball to center field that carried over the center-fielder’s head in the sixth.
When asked about the win McWhorter was extremely humble about his individual stat line.
“It’s always a great feeling when you’re a big part of a win but there were a lot of guys who did better than me like Casey Schmitt (San Diego State), Parker [Chavers] (Coastal Carolina) had a big home run in there. But yeah it was a really good team win.” said McWhorter postgame.
It was a great showing for a guy who was back in the line-up after a week in which McWhorter sat out due to an illness he spoke to following the game.
“Well honestly when I was sick I hadn’t eaten for five days and I finally got some food in me and that gave me a lot of energy.” McWhorter commented.
He looked like he had plenty of energy on Monday night.
“I always believe that you have to go up to the plate with a plan and trust it so that worked well tonight.” McWhorter continued.
The first baseman detailed his specific hitting approach.
“I always like to look for one pitch in one spot and if it’s not there then I’ll just sit on it so I got the pitch I wanted and I put a good swing on it.”
Schmitt Shines Again
As noted by fellow writer Ben Gainsboro (Stetson), Casey Schmitt’s ability to pitch, hit, and play the field well is truly unique.
Casey Schmitt on his big night at Wareham
Schmitt continued to show his stuff at Wareham as he smashed three extra base hits for 5 of the team’s 11 RBI including a pair of doubles and a 356 foot home run to left field.
Schmitt’s four homers matches a team high with Nick Gonzales (New Mexico State) and Parker Chavers who hit a bomb to center in this one as well.
Schmitt also displayed his strong defensive abilities as he charged a tough dribbler before firing to first to keep a runner off the bases.
Schmitt’s defensive play has been at such a high level that Coach Roberts even referred to it as “World-Class” after Sunday’s game at Bourne.
Cotuit’s Offensive Production
We’re more than half-way through the season and Cotuit’s offense is arguably the best in the Cape League.
The Kettleers have more total runs (134), RBI (120), Home Runs (24), extra base hits (64), and triples (6) than any other ball club.
Next Up
The Kettleers welcome Bourne (8-14) to Lowell Park on Tuesday for a 5 PM game.
Bourne is fresh off a 14-0 destruction of Falmouth on Monday.