The Harwich Mariners hosted the Cotuit Kettleers for their first of four meetings this season. Harwich won three out of the four matchups last season.
The three-and-a-half-long battle ended in the Mariners favor, adding onto their win streak.
Harwich dug themselves into a hole to start the game. This would be the first game in which Harwich did not score first. The Kettleers started off hot, posting five runs in the first two innings.
The Mariners responded with six runs of their own after falling behind 5-0. First baseman JP Peltier was able to get things started with the first home run for a Mariner on Whitehouse Field. The three run home run was crushed 343 feet to left field.
In the bottom of the fourth inning the Mariners offense took off. A perfectly timed double steal from Peltier and Colin Larson tied things up. It's hard to keep an eye on one quick Mariner, let alone two. Soon after, Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe took advantage of the rattled Kettleers pitcher by poking an RBI single to center field.
Missing Baseballs in the Woods
Second baseman Ty Smolinski added to the Mariner lead in the fifth after smashing a home run to right field. The moonshot traveled 392 feet and nailed the Whitehouse Field scoreboard. This was Smolinski’s second long ball in the first four games.
Cotuit’s slugger Tague Davis launched a ball in the top of the seventh to a similar spot. The Division I homerun leader barreled a Payton Soske heater 398 feet to right field.
Alekson Shuts Down Cotuit's Bats
Right-handed pitcher Ben Alekson came into the game in the top of the third after starter Griffen Paige couldn't get his stuff going. Regardless of having to face a hot Kettleer’s lineup, Alekson excelled over four innings. The Vermont native didn't allow a hit during the middle innings.
"That's where we need him in that role, just come out and eat some innings for us," said manager Steve Englert.
After having trouble with command during the preseason scrimmage, Alekson bounced back only allowing two walks. Cotuit looked like a completely different team when Alekson was on the mound.
"It was awesome. After the scrimmage, I wasn't really able to find the zone as well as I wanted to. Coming in and throwing strikes in the zone was my focus, and it worked out well," said Alekson.
Bussey Shines
Designated hitter Charlie Bussey was recently named Division II Player of the Year earlier this week. He had his best game of his Cape season giving Cotuit pitchers trouble all game long. The Francis Marion legend went 2 for 3, accounting for four of the Mariners 11 runs.
The five-tool player has shown his speed and defensive ability in past games but tonight the bat really heated up.
"Everything feels good right now, so we'll keep it rolling,” Bussey said.
Finishing Strong
Pitchers Ryan Taffe and Miguel Hugas finished off Cotuit in the final two innings. The pair of pitchers only allowed two Kettleers to reach base and ruined any chances of a comeback.
What's Next?
The Mariners have a well earned day off Wednesday. They return to action Thursday at Falmouth.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
ROLL NERS
