The Harwich Mariners hosted the Brewster Whitecaps Sunday for the final game of the regular season of the 2026 Cape Cod League season. The Mariners came into the game after dropping their previous game to the Chatham Anglers 7-2. A win for the Mariners would lock Harwich into the No. 3 seed for the postseason. The Mariners have lost the last three meetings against the Whitecaps, currently holding a 1-3 record against Brewster this season.
Jason Finkelstein was the starter for the Mariners Sunday. Finkelstein has had nine innings of work for the Mariners this season, posting a 9.00 ERA.
The Mariners struck first in the bottom of the first inning after Colin Larson and Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe led off the game, drawing walks. Ty Smolinski then stepped to the plate and laced a double into deep left center to score Larson.
Smolinski was named the Marty McDonough MVP Award before first pitch during the annual end of season award ceremony.
Jason Finkelstein was dominant in his start for the Mariners Sunday. The Babson College product had six innings of work for Harwich and was one less hit away from a perfect outing. One hit, four strikeouts and zero walks was what the Mariners got out of their final regular season starter.
"I think it all started with establishing my fastball. I made a few adjustments after my last outing because I was missing arm-side too much. Today I felt like I had much better command, got ahead in the count consistently, and that let me use the rest of my pitches. When you're pitching from ahead, you can let the hitters get themselves out instead of trying to do too much," said Finkelstein.
Despite the Whitecaps loading the bases with no outs in the top of the seventh, only one run was scored for Brewster giving Harwich the win.
The final game of the season was only seven innings of baseball because of a league-wide decision after multiple days of doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday.
What’s Next?
The No. 3 seeded Mariners will face the No. 2 Brewster Whitecaps in the first round of the Cape League playoffs. Coach Steve Englert looks to keep the momentum going from Sunday's win against the Whitecaps.
"We're excited for the opportunity. We know the team we're playing, but once the playoffs start, none of what happened in the regular season really matters. It's about who plays the cleanest baseball that day, and we're looking forward to the challenge," said Coach Englert.
Game 1 will be on Tuesday in Brewster at Stony Brook Field.
First pitch is TBD.
