FALMOUTH, Mass. — Looking at the score of Bourne’s 4-1 victory over the Falmouth Commodores, it’d be hard to guess the Braves’ threw the first no-hitter in the CCBL since 2022. However, that’s exactly what was accomplished on Sunday night.
The Braves used four pitchers to combine for the no-no. LHP Brendon Bennett (Clemson) started on the mound, throwing 3.2 no-hit innings. He was, however, responsible for Falmouth’s only run of the night. In the bottom of the first, two walks and a fielder’s choice loaded the bases for the Commodores. Bennett then walked the next batter in four pitches, allowing Falmouth to score their first and only run of the night.
After Bennett finished throwing, the Bourne bullpen went to work. RHP Jackson Kircher (Arkansas) relieved Bennett in the fourth and threw one and a third frames. LHP Edwin Alicea (Transfer Portal) came in for the sixth to throw three hitless innings, and RHP Landon White (Bryant) closed the game out in the ninth.
“They were controlling the game, throwing all their pitches for strikes,” said Field Manager Scott Landers about his pitchers. “They were going after them [the batters] with conviction.”
“This performance said everything that needs to be said about this staff,” said Alicea after the no-hitter. “We have a great squad, and we’re all really good. We’re playing in Cape Cod after all.”
There was a brief period, though, where it looked as though the Bravos had lost the no-hitter. To lead off the sixth inning, Falmouth’s Brayden Jefferis (Michigan) hit a ground ball to shortstop that went under SS Blake Schaaf’s (Wake Forest) glove and into the outfield. Initially, the play was ruled a base hit. Just a few innings later, the official scoring decision was changed to an error.
“I was really glad when they changed it, since it was an error that I made,” said Schaaf about the scoring decision. “ I was actually upset that they gave it a hit because it was the only one, so we were fired up when it switched to an error.”
“It wasn’t a hit. I would’ve argued that after the game,” said Landers. “That was an error all the way.”
Despite the mistake in the field, Schaaf had an outstanding day at the plate. The Braves’ shortstop had four of the team’s eight hits, and reached base five times in total. Schaaf’s four-hit performance ties him with Andrew Costello (South Carolina) for the most hits by a Bravo in a game this summer.
“I was just being aggressive on the first pitch. Through my first four at-bats, I saw a total of five pitches,” said Schaaf. “I came into the day wanting to be aggressive, and I was getting pitches to hit.”
The Braves’ offense also had a strong day, but only scored four runs. Bourne loaded the bases in each of the first three innings, but could only bring two runs across. The Bravos rallied again in the sixth to score two more insurance runs. In total, the Braves left 13 runners on base in the win.
“I thought we did good,” said Landers about the offense. “We have to do some damage when guys are on, but overall it was a good performance.”
WHAT IT MEANS
With the dominant win, the Braves moved past Falmouth and now sit alone at the top of the CCBL West division. With one game to go until the halfway point in the season, Bourne is also the only West division team with a positive run differential on the year.
BOURNEBRAVES.ORG PLAYER OF THE GAME
LHP Edwin Alicea is tonight’s Player of the Game. The Bravos’ relief arm came out of the bullpen to throw three shutout frames, allowing only two baserunners via an error and a hit by pitch. With this being Alicea’s last outing for the Braves this season, he finishes the season having not allowed a run over 6.1 innings.
“I was able to execute my pitches, throw a ton of strikes, and trust my defense behind me,” said Alicea after the win. “We have a great squad here. We’re putting together a bit of a win streak, so hopefully we can keep it going.”
NEXT UP
After an off day, the Braves will be back in action on Tuesday to take on the Orleans Firebirds at Eldredge Park. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET.
