Everyone can now breathe. Opening Day at Whitehouse Field is here. Mariners Manager Steve Englert gave the hard throwing righty, Riley Goodman the start. Goodman is coming off a freshman campaign for South Carolina where he would pitch 22 innings with an 8.59 ERA. Goodman started the day showing off his high velocity fastball reaching 97 miles per hour. Goodman would finish his outing pitching four innings, giving up zero runs, and striking out eight Harbor Hawks.
Jakob Schulz came out of the bullpen for the Mariners tossing two high quality innings with a pair of strikeouts. Andrew Basel also got three innings to finish off the game. Despite giving up two runs, the righty withheld the Hyannis comeback with his calm demeanor.
Mariners pitching coach Geoff Phillips said. “We definitely got ourselves in a little trouble, falling behind in counts. A couple walks, a couple hits, but he had great composure and pitched out of it.”
Hot Start for the Offense
The Mariners came out to a commanding 4-0 lead after big hits from first baseman Charlie Bussey and shortstop Julio Solier.
This is the third game in a row the Mariners have put heavy pressure on the opposing team’s starting pitcher. Hyannis’ pitcher Liam Kinneen would only last three innings after giving up four runs to the Mariners.
JULIOOOOO
Solier couldn't be stopped today, going 3-for-4 and knocking two doubles to the gap. One of those doubles scored his Boston College teammate Colin Larson, who also had a double of his own.
It wasn't just his bat working tonight. Solier made play after play at shortstop tonight showing off his insane range in the middle infield.
The performance comes as Solier prepares to try out for Team USA in the coming weeks. If he were to make the team, he would go on to play in Taiwan for the World Collegiate Baseball Championship.
“Making that team is something you work on your whole life. It’s something you dream about and work so hard to achieve, so yeah, it’s crazy,” said Solier.
No Fly Zone
Left fielder JP Peltier was able to rob Hyannis of a hit after laying out for a fly ball in shallow left-center during the top of the second. The impressive Mariner has really shown his speed these last couple of games whether it is stealing bases or making defensive plays.
Mariners Run Game
The Harwich Mariners lead the league in both walks and stolen bases. Ryan Gerety has been exceptional with his plate discipline. The center fielder has six walks and four runs through the first three games. The league needs to understand if you give Gerety a free pass, he will make you pay.
What's Next?
The Mariners look to add to their winning streak, Tuesday night against the Cotuit Kettleers.
First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at Whitehouse Field.
