By Jon Mettus
Syracuse University

June 28, 2016

COTUIT — The Kettleers (2-14) couldn’t come back from an ugly five-run — and protested — first inning and lost to the Bourne Braves (10-5-1), 5-4, at Lowell Park on Thursday.

With runs in the fourth, sixth (two runs) and seventh innings, Cotuit clawed its way back. Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough.

At the plate

Greyson Jenista (Wichita State) picked up his first RBI of the season with a single into centerfield. In his first game with Cotuit, catcher Jason Delay (Vanderbilt) drove in a run when he grounded into fielder’s choice.

On the mound

Starting pitcher David Gerics (Pomona-Pitzer) was pulled after just 1/3 of an inning. He was charged with three hits, four runs — four earned — and a walk. Relievers Justin Hooper (UCLA) and Eddie Muhl (George Washington) combined to keep Bourne scoreless for the last five innings of the game.

The protest

With a runner on second and no outs in the top of the first inning, Gerics threw a pitch that appeared to hit batter Justin Yurchak (Binghamton) in the foot. It bounced to the backstop and Jake Mangum (Mississippi State) rounded third and slid home just after the home plate umpire called time.

After a brief discussion, the umpires ruled a wild pitch and that the run scored. Cotuit head coach Mike Roberts came out to argue, but to no avail. He then decided to protest the game.

If Cotuit wins the protest, the game will be replayed from that spot.