The Hyannis Harbor Hawks kicked off the 2025 season in style, riding a six-run eighth inning to a 7-2 win over the West Division rival Wareham Gatemen.
It’s the Hawks’ third straight win on opening day, as they rolled past the Falmouth Commodores 10-0 in 2024 and beat the Orleans Firebirds 4-1 in 2023.
Getting the opening day start for the Harbor Hawks was lefty pitcher Wil Libbert. He handled the first four innings of the game for Hyannis, allowing one unearned run on four hits while striking out six Gatemen hitters.
Second year Hawks manager Mitch Karraker was impressed by what he saw from his day one starter on the mound.
“Our starters are the ones who set the tone. He did a really good job of doing that,” said Karraker. “[He] had good command of three different pitches tonight and was really successful.”
Libbert himself felt good about his outing, but mentioned he needs to work on refining his command as the season progresses.
“I had some stretches where I kind of fell behind, but I thought it was good,” said Libbert. “I was able to come back and limit the walks and not give up any free bases, so I thought it was pretty good overall.”
With runners on the corners in the top of the third, Myles Bailey drove a single into right field off Wareham starter Daniel Powell, scoring Andrew Williamson to give the Hawks the game’s first run. The lead didn’t last long, as Gatemen first baseman Ty Dalley roped a RBI double to right field to tie the game 1-1.
A battle of the bullpens ensued after both starters departed, as both teams had chances but couldn’t score. Hyannis broke through in the top of the eighth on a wild pitch from Wareham pitcher Kayden Campbell and an errant throw to second by Gatemen catcher Mac Rose, allowing Ray Velazquez to score from second on the play.
Hyannis added on later in the inning with the bases loaded, as Jake Schaffner drew a walk to score Myles Bailey, Charlie Bates drove in Vahn Lackey with an infield single, and Matthew Miura laced a two run single to left field. Doing the damage off Campbell and Jacob Faulkner, Hyannis extended the lead to 6-1.
The Hawks weren’t done there, as Velazquez came to the plate for the second time in the inning and worked a walk with the bases loaded, bringing in Bates in a familiar theme of the inning for the Hawks. That brought in Hudson Rowan, Wareham’s third pitcher of the inning, who got the final two outs to bring the eighth to an end.
After Libbert’s day was done, the Hyannis bullpen turned in a stellar day in support of their starter. The combination of Erik Hoffberg, Tommy O’Rourke, Carson Jasa, and Eddie Copper III allowed just one run to score on one hit and two walks, striking out 4 hitters.
Miura, who broke the game open with a two-run single, loved what he saw from the Hyannis pitching staff all night.
“It’s great having good pitching like that,” said Miura. “We’re getting in the dugout fast and getting ready to hit. All these pitchers, they shoved, they did their job today. Really stoked to be behind them, play defense for them.”
Karraker had a similar sentiment for how the six pitchers he deployed handled themselves during what was a tight game most of the night.
“Any time we come out, first week, first outing, we expect some nerves, and I felt like our guys were in complete control,” said Karraker. “They did a really good job and showed how good our club can be.”
39 games remain for the Harbor Hawks in the regular season as they look to claim the Cape Cod League championship for the first time since 1991. They now turn their attention to their home opener against the Harwich Mariners June 15 at McKeon Park. Trey Beard is expected to start for the Harbor Hawks.
