The Hyannis Harbor Hawks’ 2025 season ended under the lights at Doran Park, but their summer spirit refused to fade. As the final out settled into the glove and Bourne poured out of the dugout in celebration, Hyannis players lingered on the field, sharing handshakes, hugs, and quiet words.
The scoreboard showed a 5–3 loss in Game 3 of the Western Division semifinals, but in the dugout, chatter and embraces, the season still felt alive. The game didn’t end how they hoped, but no one hung their head.
“It was a tough loss,” said manager Mitch Karraker. “I thought our guys fought as best they could… Bourne’s a good team. They outplayed us a little bit tonight, but I’m proud of our group.”
The Braves broke open a scoreless tie in the third inning, tagging Hyannis starter Mason Russell for three earned runs. Though the Harbor Hawks clawed two back in the eighth on an RBI single from Ryan McKay and a Sebastian Mexico error, it wasn’t enough. A couple of extra runs allowed early proved to be the difference.
“Ten hits plays… five runs plays—that’s just part of the game,” Karraker said. “We had a few things go sideways early… that third inning especially.”
Still, Karraker never questioned his team’s effort.
“You know, my biggest takeaway is our guys care,” he said. “They fought the whole way. It’s very easy—after a long year, going since August at their schools—for guys to check out. But you could see it on their faces. They wanted to keep playing.”
That determination was especially visible in players like Michigan State’s Ryan McKay, a role player who stayed for the entire summer, giving everything he had every day.
“I absolutely love baseball,” McKay said. “To play in this great of a league—I knew 100% I was staying the whole summer. That was the mindset.”
McKay pointed to the coaching and camaraderie as highlights of his first Cape season.
“Just being here at this level of competition, meeting new guys, learning from great coaches—it was an amazing experience,” he said. “Guys like Hayden Federico, Andrew Williamson, Ray Vasquez, Gabe Camacho… I’ll remember them forever.”
For Karraker, coaching this group was less about stats and more about relationships.
“I always go back to the relationships,” he said. “We love to win, sure—but having guys from all over the country, good players, good people… that’s what makes the Cape so special. Building those bonds and following these kids after they leave here is really fun.”
Relievers Sam Garewal and Brandon Olivera combined for 2.2 innings of relief, slowing Bourne’s offense, but the Hawks couldn’t find the late runs they needed. Ryan Speshyock closed the game out, steady as ever.
After back-to-back playoff appearances under Karraker, the Hawks have cemented themselves as a consistent West Division contender. And while 2025 ends with a loss, the clubhouse made its biggest mark in ways that never showed up in the box score.
This marks the end of a full summer season for the Hawks. I want to personally thank the Harbor Hawks and the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Reach Matt Ford-Wellman
X: @MattFW_4
Gmail: mfordwellman.media@gmail.com
