The Hyannis Harbor Hawks’ season came to an end Saturday night with a 3-0 loss to the Bourne Braves in Game 2 of the West Division Finals. Hyannis lost the best-of-three series 2-0.

While the result most definitely stings, the Harbor Hawks’ resilience throughout the season is just one of several reasons Hyannis fans and players should be proud of the season.

“There will always be things you look back on and wish you could improve, but overall, what a really fun summer with these guys. It’s been a pleasure to coach them, and I’m grateful to the organization for having us,” head coach Mitch Karraker said following the loss.

Saturday’s loss capped Karraker’s third season as the Hawks’ skipper. Unlike his first two seasons, this summer’s team struggled out of the gate, falling to 4-9 at one point. Karraker credits his team’s resilience for continuing to show up and put in the effort every day. Hyannis went on to win its first playoff series since 2023 this summer.

“Every year I’ve been here, we’ve had a really good group of kids. This year, we had a really tough stretch at the beginning, which, unlike the last two years, we started out really well. So to see the resiliency and the no-quit in the guys, and them continuing to put in the effort and work day in and day out, was pretty special. I’m glad the game rewarded them for that. We had a really good finish, and to get to the second round from where we started, it’s pretty impressive,” Karraker said.

After exhausting five pitchers in the Game 1 shootout, Hyannis handed the ball to Liam Kinneen (Princeton). Making just his second start of the season, Kinneen lasted 4⅓ innings, surrendering one run and striking out five to give Hyannis a fighting chance.

Kinneen’s performance was especially meaningful to Karraker, who had watched the right-hander transition from a starter early in the season to a bullpen role.

“Nothing but super proud of the kid. After being with us for a little bit last year and then kind of starting this year before going into more of a bullpen role, it was special. To give him the ball in probably the most important game of the year, and for him to have the night he did, it was awesome. He’s come a long way, and that’s what this summer is all about—getting better and finding a way to get out of high-leverage situations. I’m very happy for him,” Karraker said.

For the second straight game, Bourne jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, this time on Matt Bolton’s RBI single to left field. Bolton’s lone hit of the night scored Rustan Rigdon and proved to be the game-winning run.

Hyannis threatened to tie the game in the top of the third with the bases loaded. Brody Briggs (Arizona State) drew a one-out walk before Nick Dromboski (Stony Brook) moved him to second on an infield single to second base. Matt Ineich (West Virginia) followed with a walk to load the bases, but the Harbor Hawks left all three runners stranded.

Still trailing by one in the top of the sixth, Charlie Bates (Stanford) sent a ball deep to center field that appeared to strike an object beyond the fence before returning to play. Bates made it safely to third on the questionable play, which prompted all three umpires to meet and discuss the call. The final determination was a triple.

Bates led all hitters in the game with two hits in his final game on the Cape. After a short stint with the Harbor Hawks last summer, the Palo Alto, California, native reflected on his experience as bittersweet. While he was sad to see everyone go, he was equally excited to see how his teammates’ collegiate seasons turn out.

“I mean, it was so much fun. I think compared to last year, coming out here with high expectations to win and having to turn things around was the main difference. I think we did a really good job in the month of July,” Bates said. “I’m so close with everyone on this team. I’m a little sad to see everyone go, but I’m also really excited to see how everyone fares out in the season and to keep in touch.”

Pitching troubles plagued Hyannis in the bottom of the sixth. After the first three Braves batters reached base, Bourne first baseman Max Farrell was hit by a pitch, allowing leadoff man Matt Bolton to score from third and extending the lead to 2-0. Two batters later, with the bases still loaded, Gabriel Milano’s sacrifice fly to center field had enough carry to allow Luke Costello to tag up and score, putting Bourne ahead 3-0.

The teams traded scoreless innings for the remainder of the game, but not for a lack of effort from Hyannis.

Down to their final three outs of the season, the Harbor Hawks loaded the bases in the top of the ninth without recording an out. With the game-tying run at the plate, Andrew Lamb (Southern California) stepped into the box.

Hyannis’ magical run ended there. Bourne closer Maddox Webb struck out Lamb before forcing Taylor Kirk (UCLA) into a game-ending double play.

Unfortunately, there is no next game for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks. After a slow start, Hyannis battled its way into the West Division Finals, coming one series win short of a trip to the championship series.

Now, the Harbor Hawks will head into the offseason, while fans will have to wait until the 2027 season to see their team take the field at McKeon Park once again.