The Bourne Braves traveled to Harwich to face the Mariners for the third time this season. Harwich came into the game coming off of a 6-5 loss to the Orleans Firebirds Thursday. The last time the Braves faced the Mariners came out on top of a 5-2 win riding a six inning pitching masterclass from Jakob Schulz.

Cooper Walls was the starter for the Mariners Friday. Walls has pitched 10 innings in the Cape and has allowed 10 runs. Walls came into the game trying to work off of a decent start against Y-D where the future Georgia Bulldog went four innings and had four strikeouts. Walls gave up three runs as well in the loss.

The first inning brought both the Braves and Mariners a solo run. Bourne got their offense started after back-to-back doubles from Blake Schaaf and Rustan Rigdon to give the Braves a 1-0 in the top of the first.

The Mariners would get one back in the bottom half of the inning after a leadoff walk from Colin Larson. After stealing second and third, all it took was a deep fly ball from Ty Smolinski to score the Boston College outfielder.

It was a pitching battle Friday night at Whitehouse Field. Walls had his best start of his Cape career tonight going five innings and only allowing one run. Walls only gave up three hits and had four strikeouts, tying his season's best.

"I think it was just my off-speed stuff. I was able to command all my pitches. I didn't really have my fastball today, but I was able to challenge hitters with my other pitches and fill up the strike zone," said Walls.

Harwich was able to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe stole home after a wild pitch from Bourne’s starter Brandon Shannon. Kiracofe drew a walk to reach base with two outs and was able to steal home and take the lead before Colin Larson finished his at-bat.

It all came crashing down for the Mariners in the top of the eighth inning after Mariners relief pitcher Rivers Kurland walked the first two Braves up to bat. Kurland had a very strong performance up to that point only allowing one hit and striking out three. Christian Rodriguez came into the game to try and salvage the lead. It was not so pretty for Mariners fans as the Braves had 12 different plate appearances and put up an astounding eight runs in one inning to take a 9-2 lead.

Harwich was able to cut into the lead by one in the bottom of the ninth but ultimately ended up losing 9-3.

"We're just trying to keep working and keep grinding. The balls are going to start falling our way at some point. Right now, we're just having some bad luck and pushing some wrong buttons, but all that matters is how we play down the stretch. Anything can happen in baseball," said Coach Hunter Dilworth.

Web Gems

In the top of the first inning, the Braves came out red hot with the bats hitting back-to-back doubles to take a 1-0 lead. The following at-bat Luke Costello poked a ball to shallow left field which made JP Peltier charge at it. Bourne’s Rigdon tried to score the second run of the game for the Braves but got thrown out at home after a laser from Peltier.

What's Next?

The Cotuit Kettleers will travel to Harwich Saturday for their fourth and final meetings of the season.

First pitch is set for 5:30.