Once again, the rain came to spoil the fun for the Gatemen on Tuesday. After an explosive start to its game against the Brewster Whitecaps, where the Gatemen got four consecutive hits and two runs to start the game, Wareham’s bats went silent.
Only four hits were recorded by the Gatemen, and it was due to their momentum slowing to a halt. A nearly hour-long rain delay stopped the game and got Wareham out of its rhythm, and that caused it to fall for the 13th time this season.
The team now sits at 7-13 at the halfway mark of the season, setting them both last in the West Division and the Cape Cod Baseball League. It is a much different story from the Gatemen from a year ago, who were 14-5-1 at this point in the season.
The good news for the Gatemen is that there are still 20 games left to play, and they are only 3 ½ games behind first place in the West Division, so there is time to make up some ground. They hope to do so starting Wednesday against the Orleans Firebirds.
In their last matchup at Eldredge Park, the Gatemen put up a solid all-around performance, leading to a 6-4 win, tying the season series between the teams. Wareham now pays its last visit to Orleans this summer in hopes of history repeating itself.
The Firebirds have also had a rough start to their 2025 campaign, being last in the East Division with an 8-10-2 record. However, they are bringing in some momentum after a 5-2 win Sunday against Bourne and a 2-2 tie against Cotuit.
Starting pitchers
The Gatemen will start their two-way player, Caden McDonald (Florida). McDonald has appeared in four games as a pitcher and started one game. He's pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowed 14 hits, six earned runs, a walk and struck out four batters in his time on the mound.
His first-ever start against the Harwich Mariners was solid. He pitched three innings, allowed four hits, two earned runs and struck out a batter. He was also the designated hitter in the game, where he went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Look for him to both hit and pitch Wednesday.
The Firebirds, on the other hand, will throw southpaw Kyle Johnson (Duke). The Leesburg, Virginia, native, who was just assigned to the Firebirds a few days ago, started 11 games for the Blue Devils this spring, posted a 7.19 ERA, allowed 43 hits, 36 runs (33 earned), 26 walks and struck out 43 batters.
He made a brief appearance with the Chatham Anglers in 2024, when he pitched two innings, allowed two hits, two earned runs, two walks and struck out two batters. Look to see how he adjusts to his new team Wednesday.
Players to watch
The top half of the lineup was all the offense the Gatemen could get Tuesday against the Whitecaps. What they did get out of those four hits, however, was exactly what the Gatemen were looking for.
Brayden Randle (Ole Miss) has settled into the leadoff role and started Tuesday out with a bang with a triple to center. Hunter Carns (Florida State) also had a single in the inning, extending his hitting streak to three games. Look for them to once again get the Gatemen off to a hot start Wednesday.
The Firebirds this season have relied on the bat of Anthony Potestio (UC San Diego). Despite going 0-for-2 against Cotuit on Tuesday, he drew two walks and slashed .346/.526/.462 in eight games this summer. Jonathan Mendez (UC Santa Barbara) had a solid game against Cotuit, where he went 2-for-5 and scored a run. Look for both of them to step up for the Firebirds on Wednesday.
First pitch for Wednesday's game will be at 6:30 p.m. at Eldredge Park in Orleans. You can attend the game for free, or you can tune in to the Gatemen’s radio broadcast with Cory Miller, Josh Richardson and Rayna Maggelet on the call by clicking HERE.
