It was a long day at Red Wilson Field, but when it came time to shine, the seven Harwich Mariners made the most of their Cape League All-Star Game experience.
After signing autographs and watching the league’s home run contest, the Mariners came ready to play once game time hit. With the contributions from six Mariner bats and pitcher Christian Rodriguez, the CCBL East All-Stars took down the West, 13-8, Saturday afternoon.
Tre Broussard took home the game’s MVP award. Starting the game in center field, he stroked a double to right-center to open the second inning and went a perfect 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs.
The Houston outfielder was nothing but smiles after the win.
Broussard was not the only Mariner to make a splash during the game. In the bottom of the first, Dee Kennedy, starting at third base, knocked a solo home run to put the East up 3-0.
"I didn't expect it to go out," Kennedy said. "I thought it was a pop fly."
Already with a home run at Red Wilson Field earlier in the week, Aiden Robbins carried his hot bat into the All-Star Game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, he hit a fly ball that carried just enough over the center field fence, giving Harwich the 13-4 lead.
"It's always to great to come out with the dub," Robbins said. "It was great to meet new guys."
As the East began putting its reserve players in, the Mariners began to take over the infield. From the fifth inning on, three-quarters of the infield donned the Harwich jersey: Kyle Wolff at first base, Tanner Marsh at second and Maddox Molony at third.
Harwich batters combined for seven hits in the afternoon.
Rodriguez, the sole Harwich pitcher selected to the game, strolled to the mound in the top of the second inning. The righty from the University of Florida has been nothing short of fantastic for the Mariners. He has given up just two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings pitched.
After the West got men on second and third with one out, Rodriguez dialed in. He got an infield popup and a strikeout to end the inning and showcase his talent against the CCBL’s finest talent.
