The Sunday duel between the Bourne Braves and Harwich Mariners started with a pitching clash by Harwichs James Litman and Bournes Brendon Bennett. Both pitchers came to play, showcasing their high quality pitches. Bennett really rallied behind his slider; he threw over 40% of the time at Clemson, while Litman was commanding with his high velocity fastball.

Litman would go on to cruise his way through the first five innings only allowing one run and striking out eight Braves. The Braves offense had no answer the first two trips around the lineup with Litman mixing his impressive fastball with his sinking changeup. When a pitcher has all three pitches working as well as Litman did, you're likely to see a supreme performance.

“I was just working on the command of my pitches, trying to sharpen that, and trust the defense behind me because I know it's a great defense,” said Litman.

Coach Englert knows he has got a good one in Litman.

“Great job. Eighty pitches through five. I thought his command was there, he moved the ball in and out, he kept them at bay, and I'm really happy with his performance this evening,” said Englert.

Mariners' four-out inning...

The first run of the game came in the top of the third after Mariners Ryan Gerety stole home after a passed ball. Originally, Gerety was called out on the previous pitch after a Ty Smolinski grounder hit him while rounding third. After an umpire conferred, the call was reversed.

Braves manager Scott Landers was not pleased with the call after having the idea the half inning was over.

Flashing the leather

Opposing teams will have a hard time getting on base. The Mariners infield, made up of Sean O’Leary, Julio Solier, Ty Smolinski, and Quinton Coats made play after play Sunday. Whether it was the 5-4-3 double play to get Litman out of a bases loaded jam, or the hard hit liner Solier perfectly fielded.

Getting loft on the baseball will not bring teams luck either. Right fielder Colin Larson made a diving catch in the bottom of the first to end the inning.

Mariners catcher Ernie Echevarria got into the action during the bottom of the third after delivering a perfect ball to Smolinski to get the runner attempting to steal second.

Mariners offense bounces back

Harwich went quiet in yesterdays matchup against Y-D after the Red Sox brought in their skilled bullpen. Today was a different story. Bourne went deep in their bullpen during tonight's game after the Mariners offense put pressure on them all night. Sean O’Leary got his Cape campaign started in the fifth inning with a two RBI single to right scoring Echevarria and Solier. Gerety would go on to score soon after for the second time after a passed ball gave him his second free run of the game.

The sixth inning brought in more fun. Center fielder Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe would start things off by drawing a walk and later stealing second and third. The Mariners speedy center fielder really showed off his impressive baserunning ability. Ernie Echevarria would go on to drive him home for the veteran catcher's first hit of the season.

The two run inning would be capped off with a deep sacrifice fly ball to center field scoring designated hitter Ryan Gerety.

The Mariners found most of their offensive success tonight taking advantage of excellent baserunning. Three Mariners had multiple steals tonight. Colin Larson (2), Ryan Gerety (3), and Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe (2) were the Bourne’s catchers worst nightmare.

“Runs are at a premium down here, so anytime you can get guys in scoring position, and we came up with some big knocks tonight, that's the name of the game. If you can get those knocks with runners in scoring position, you've got a pretty good chance of coming out on top,” said Coach Englert.

What's next?

The Mariners host the Hyannis Harbor Hawks Monday night at Whitehouse Field for the team's home opener.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.