The Hyannis Harbor Hawks struggled to capitalize on opportunities in their 3-6 loss against the Harwich Mariners on Monday night.
The Harbor Hawks were 0-10 with runners in scoring position. Team manager Mitch Karraker said the offense was a little too passive in their at-bats.
“We got some pitches to hit that we either took, or didn’t put good swings on,” Karraker said. “I’m going to try to get back with the guys tomorrow, tighten up the swings a little bit, and see if we can do a little better job of being on time when we need to. "
The Mariners were able to jump ahead early, putting two runs on the board thanks to a throwing error by left fielder Henry Zenor to first baseman Caden Miller in the first inning. Their lead extended to four after two RBI doubles by right fielder Colin Larson and shortstop Julio Solier in the second inning.
Harbor Hawks pitcher Liam Kinneen’s night ended in the fourth inning after allowing four runs, five hits and recording only one strikeout.
“He hasn’t pitched live in a while, and hopefully he can just learn from his experiences, learn from those mistakes and just continue to get better and be better the next time he gets an opportunity,” Karraker said.
The Harbor Hawks were able to avoid a shutout and score their first run after right fielder Tanner Chun capitalized off a wild pitch in the fifth inning.
However, in the same inning the Mariners got their lead back up to four after third baseman Sean O’Leary recorded a run in the same fashion off a wild pitch by Brayden Sharp.
In the eighth inning the Harbor Hawks were able to cut the lead to three once again courtesy of a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Trey Hawsey to send Miller home. But once again, the Mariners responded quickly with an RBI single from Larson, leaving the score 2-6 at the bottom of the eighth.
The Harbor Hawks had one last shot to secure a comeback win in the ninth, and catcher Jon Embury kept the hope alive with an RBI double to center field.
Embury recorded three hits, one RBI on the night and currently sits atop the Harbor Hawks hitting stats with a .625 batting average.
“I stuck to a good approach, stayed on fastballs,” Embury said. “Just trying to be early and get my pitch.”
Embury was able to get on base in all four of his at-bats, but was left stranded all four times.
Despite Embury’s last ditch efforts, the Harbor Hawks were unable to come back from the deficit and fell 3-6 in their first away loss of the season.
“It’s early in the season, and still a lot more games to be played, and we get the chance to play almost every day,” Embury said. “Put that game in the past and get to work and win tomorrow."
The Harbor Hawks travel back home Tuesday to take on the Bourne Braves at 6 p.m.
