After another crazy West Division showdown on America’s 250th birthday一the Gatemen’s first trip to the Braves一they return home for yet another divisional matchup. Wareham faces Cotuit for the second time in 2026 after the Cape Cod Baseball League Opening Day faceoff at Lowell Park.
While the Gatemen fell in the bottom of the ninth inning on Saturday in a game that they truly controlled for 24 outs, they host a Kettleers squad on a five-game skid that has fallen to 5-11-2. Cotuit’s three losses in the month of July have come by a combined 10 runs, but it holds the head-to-head win over Wareham from early June.
The Gatemen’s new roster additions have helped them turn the page in the longest month of the CCBL season. Can they defend home field and head into the off-day with momentum?
Starting Pitchers: Bivens vs. Baiotto
Cotuit: The Kettleers have allowed 22 hits and 24 runs, but now throws Grady Bivens (Transfer Portal) for the first time since late June against the league-leading Red Sox. He only gave up two earned runs to a Yarmouth-Dennis squad that leads the Cape League in runs scored. He holds the seventh-highest team-ERA, but has held opposing hitters to a .214 batting average against.
Wareham: Ethan Baiotto (Tennessee) makes his first start of summer after four strong relief outings: the Gatemen’s lowest team-ERA (.077) and one of six arms with double-digit strikeouts. Baiotto last threw 48 pitches at Harwich and has consistently been a high-usage reliever that can eat innings. Can he replicate it from the first inning?
Players To Watch
Kettleers: Brady Christman (Mississippi State) has five hits over his last two games and is now one of seven Cotuit batters with double-digit hits in 2026. Despite the Kettleers’ recent five-game losing streak, he has tallied four RBIs in the month of July.
Gatemen: Wareham was in a defensive battle on Saturday in Bourne, but RJ Hamilton (Duke) gave the 4th of July battle some early fireworks with a leadoff home run in the first inning. He became the fourth Gatemen with a long ball and is now showing off his power in addition to the lightning-fast speed with his four stolen bags.
The Gatemen’s first home matchup with the Kettleers begins at 6:00. Fans can come to Spillane Field for free, or tune in on Cape League TV.
