Harwich traveled to Hyannis Thursday night for their second meeting of the season. This was the only game on the Cape today.

Chet Lax got the start for the Mariners today. Lax was coming off his five-inning dominant start against the Falmouth Commodores. The lefty struck out four and only allowed three hits. Lax finished his start with four innings pitched, six hits, two earned runs, and four strikeouts.

Leadoff batter Colin Larson only needed three pitches before going deep. Larson would hit his second home run in two days to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Larson is truly one of the top five-tool players in the league.

Hyannis’ JP Head evened things up at one apiece after leaving the yard in the bottom of the second inning. The Harbor Hawks play at McKeon park which is known as one of the Cape League’s smaller ballparks.

Mariners 4 run 4th

Harwich's offense took off in the top of the fourth inning taking a commanding lead. Jackson Hotchkiss made his first start for the Mariners today and got his first hit in the top of the fourth inning after lacing a double to right center and later scored after a throwing error. Cade Kurland also crossed home soon after another passed ball.

"I went up there sitting fastball, got a little cutter over the zone and just did my thing," said Hotchkiss.

Charlie Bussey and Sean O’Leary then drew walks to be the third and fourth consecutive Mariners to reach base that inning. After a Ryan Gerety sacrifice fly and Colin Larson single the Mariners were able to add two more runs to the board.

Home Run Derby

It was a home run derby in Hyannis with both teams combining for four home runs. Hyannis Jordan Lodise left the yard twice tonight and JP Head also added a solo home run. Colin Larson was the only Mariner to hit a homerun for the Mariners.

Harbor Hawks Heartbreak

In the top of the seventh inning with the game tied, Ty Smolinski hit a routine pop fly that was caught by Hyannis. Larson would go on to tag up and reach third. Hyannis pitcher Cohen Gomez believed that Larson started running before the ball was caught, meaning he would be ruled out after the Harbor Hawks tagged second base. Gomez accidentally sailed his throw to the second baseman and rolled into right field. Larson would then jog home to give the Mariners the lead.

"They went to check to see if I left early, and the pitcher threw it into right field. The ball was in play, so I just went home and scored."

Hyannis would go on to have two more errors in the inning helping the Mariners regain the lead 8-6.

Closing It Out

The Harbor Hawks did not make it easy for the Mariners to close out the game. Harwich’s Miguel Hugas had two Harbor Hawks on the corners and forced a groundout to end the inning in the bottom of the eighth.

Harwich was able to add on to their lead in the top of the ninth after Sean O’Leary and Kevin Milewski had RBI singles. Miguel closed the door and earned the save.

"Hyannis is a great ball club. They did a great job of getting good pitches to hit, executing and scoring with runners in scoring position," said Mariners assistant coach Joey Craska.

What's Next?

Harwich will travel to Chatham Friday night to play the Anglers. This is the first matchup of these two this season.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m.