After a statement win in their season opener on Saturday, the Bourne Braves looked to carry their momentum into Sunday’s matchup with Harwich. That didn’t happen. Instead, the Mariners came to Doran Park and worked their way into a 6-3 victory.

Despite having twice as many hits as the Mariners, the Braves were unable to capitalize in scoring opportunities. Miscues haunted the offense, with runners getting picked off twice and caught stealing once. Bourne also squandered multiple opportunities with runners in scoring position.

“Offensively, we had a double play ball in the second inning and got picked off twice in crucial situations with the leadoff guy on,” said Field Manager Scott Landers about the Braves’ opportunities. “Those things happen. We gotta live and learn, and bounce back tomorrow.”

Bourne's first chance to score and take an early lead came in the second inning. After loading the bases with one out, 2B Lee Ellis (Ohio State) shot a ground ball to third that the Mariners turned for an inning-ending double play.

In the eighth inning, Bourne had an opportunity to climb back into the game. Following a two-run single from 3B Trent Caraway (LSU), the Braves had runners on first and second and CF Matt Bolton (Binghamton) at the plate representing the tying run. Once again, a groundout ended the threat.

Bourne also struggled on the defensive side of the ball. The Mariners went six of seven on stolen base attempts and scored two of their runs on a wild pitch and passed ball. The Braves’ pitching staff surrendered 10 walks on the night.

“We gave away too many free passes and stolen bases. We didn’t control the run game,” said Landers about his team’s defense.

One bright spot of the Braves’ offense tonight was Bolton. The Bourne centerfielder went 3-4 in the loss with a pair of base hits and a triple. His fifth inning triple came with the Braves down 4-0, and put him in position to score on a passed ball for Bravos’ first run of the game.

“I wanted to get on my pitch early,” said Bolton about his triple. “I got behind on the first fastball. It felt like I was getting too long, so I shortened up and kept it simple.”

On the other hand, Harwich took advantage of the opportunities Bourne provided them. The Mariners first got on the scoreboard with a run in the third, though it didn't come without controversy.

With two outs in the inning, Harwich second baseman Tyler Smolinski (Kansas State) softly hit a ground ball to third base, which hit the third base bag and stayed fair. Ryan Gerety (Northeastern), the runner at second to start the play, advanced to third and rounded the bag, where the third base umpire ruled the ball hit him. After a conference amongst the umpires and meetings with both coaches, the call was overturned and Gerety was awarded third base. He would score in the next at-bat on a wild pitch.

“They were right on it. You don’t see that one very often, but I tip my cap to them. They got the call right,” said Landers about the play after the game.

Harwich added onto their lead in the fifth. The Mariners drew three walks to load the bases before Sean O’Leary (UMass-Lowell) came through with a two-run single past the first baseman. One more run would come home to score on a wild pitch, giving Harwich a 4-0 advantage halfway through the game.

The Mariners scored their final two runs in the sixth. Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe (Kent State) drew a leadoff walk, and made it to third on a stolen base and wild pitch. The next batter, Ernie Echevarria (Penn), brought Rienstra-Kiracofe with a line drive into the right field corner. Colin Larson (Boston College) grounded into a fielder’s choice in the next at-bat and stole two bases, setting him up to score after Julio Solier (Boston College) launched a sac fly to deep center.

WHAT IT MEANS

Bourne falls to 1-1 on the season after tonight’s loss. While it’s still early in the season, the miscues on both sides of the ball displayed that the Braves still have plenty of work to do in order to compete for a second straight championship.

KEY PLAY

Caraway’s two run single in the eighth inning provided the Braves with short-lived hope for a comeback. With two outs in the inning and the bases loaded, the Braves’ third baseman shot a ground ball through the left side to bring two runners home and cut the Harwich lead to 6-3.

BOURNEBRAVES.ORG PLAYER OF THE GAME

Tonight’s Player of the Game is Matt Bolton. The Braves’ centerfielder had three hits on the night, including his fifth inning triple that led to Bourne’s first run of the game. Coming from Binghamton and playing in the American East, Bolton spoke about his approach to preparing to play in the Cape.

“You always want to play the best competition. Being able to come here and compete against that competition, it gives me a lot to bring back to the American East and teach some new guys about what I learned,” said Bolton.

NEXT UP

The Braves will travel for the first time of the season on Monday, heading to Lowell Park to take on the Cotuit Kettleers. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. ET.