It’s the start of a new season and a clean slate in the Cape League. The standings and stats from last summer are a distant chapter. Wareham can avenge its Divisional Series loss to Cotuit. The Gatemen were walked off after two highly contested matchups. Not only can they capture revenge at Lowell Park, they can start 2026 off strong in the West Division. The 40-game sprint always creeps up on teams and critical division games often determine playoff seeding.

Starting Pitchers: Lambert vs. Yarberry

Redshirt sophomore Garrett Lambert takes the ball for the Gatemen. Lambert recently entered the transfer portal from Mercer after a standout 2026 college season: he was named to the Freshman All-America Second Team after posting a 4.31 ERA with 90 strikeouts. Lambert features a fastball as well as a strong off-speed arsenal with a curveball, slider, and changeup. This start can also be used as an audition for the high-level programs looking for a right-handed pitcher in the portal. He dominated in the SoCon, but baseball’s power conferences will also look at his early results against the best collegiate bats in the country during Cape League action.

Although Indiana senior Jackson Yarberry made just one start over his junior year, he is no stranger to a hefty workload on the mound. Yarberry was one of just five Hoosiers to hit the 40-inning mark on the season, and completed his work with an efficient 2.34 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was a dependable arm with outings in all 10 conference weekends. Yarberry threw four or more innings in four of his appearances this season, giving Kettleers manager Rob Cooper confidence for the start.

Players to Watch

The Gatemen come into 2026 with a star-studded lineup of bats. Wareham returns six position players with Brooks Wallace Award (Nation’s top college shortstop) finalist Chris Ramirez as the headliner. He recently entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Cal Baptist and will gain attention from the top schools in the country.

Louisville junior Tague Davis was a First Team All-America selection, the ACC Player of the Year, and a finalist for various national awards. He led the nation with 34 home runs to accompany a 1.292 OPS. The Kettleers host one of the best bats in the country, a player who can change the game with just one swing.

First pitch from Lowell Park is set for 4:30 p.m., with Cotuit’s Opening Day ceremonies preceding the matchup. Fans can attend for free or follow the action on Cape League TV and the Gatemen’s official Youtube page.