The Harwich Mariners hosted the Y-D Red Sox Sunday night for the most anticipated matchup of the season so far. The Red Sox got the best of the Mariners last weekend for the Opening Day matchup.
James Litman got the start for the Mariners. Litman is coming off an eight strikeout shutout performance against the Bourne Braves. Litman introduced himself to the Y-D offense by striking out the side, showcasing his offspeed.
JP Peltier got things started for Harwich's offense after knocking an opposite field single to right field. Peltier would then steal second for his eighth stolen base of the season. Peltier now leads the entire Cape League in stolen bases. Ty Smolinski got the Mariners on the board after an RBI double to left field. The Mariners would not hold the lead for long after Y-D Tommy Gooden sent a moonshot to right field and into the woods to tie the game at 1-1. The Homerun traveled 400 feet.
Gooden gave Litman trouble all game, during his second at bat of the game with runners on the corners, Gooden sent another ball to deep right field to give Y-D a 4-1 lead. That homerun traveled 423 feet. Y-D’s Caleb Daniel wanted in on the fun, hitting a solo home run to deep right field for the Red Sox’s third home run in the first four innings.
The Red Sox controlled the rest of the game. In the top of the fifth inning Y-D hit three straight doubles to add onto their lead. The Red Sox would lead 8-1. Y-D’s bullpen really shined tonight. The Red Sox would use four pitchers out of the bullpen during the game. The dominant five would only give up five hits and two runs the entire game. This is the best performance we have seen against the high powered Mariners offense.
The new Harwich pitcher Jason Finkelstein was to close out the game tonight. The Babson College product was the only Mariners pitcher tonight to not give up a run. Having a productive outing being a Division III player in the CCBL is always a good sight to see.
"It was awesome. Growing up around here, the Cape League was always something I looked up to. I used to come watch these games as a kid, so getting the opportunity to pitch here against this level of competition is really special. To come from a Division III program and throw two scoreless innings on this stage means a lot. I had a lot of fun out there," said Finkelstein.
Key points
Shortstop Ty Smolinski has continued to prove he is one of the best players of the league. Smolinski reached base every at-bat. Smolinski also had a pair of doubles. Through eight games, Smolinski is currently top five in batting average at .393.
New Harwich Mariner Cade Kurland made a diving stop at second base after Jake Souders hit a line drive up the middle. Kurland was able to get the runner out at second and almost had another Mariners double play.
What's Next?
The Mariners have an off day Monday and will pick back up at Hyannis on Tuesday.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
