By Ben Fischer
University of Maryland
June 22, 2018

BREWSTER – Despite a 5-4 Friday loss to the Brewster Whitecaps, the Cotuit Kettleers received a tremendous performance from their bullpen. Five Cotuit relievers combined for six innings and just one earned run. Leading the way was Joey Walsh (Boston College) who threw three innings, fanning five batters, stranding the tying run in scoring position twice and the go-ahead run once.

Pitcher Joey Walsh throws a pitch against Bourne in Cotuit’s 4-1 loss on June 18, 2018

Walsh, who had made only one appearance on the season, facing one batter against Bourne, came on in the fourth inning with the bases loaded and Cotuit up 4-2. Walsh allowed one inherited runner to score on a RBI double by third baseman Austin Lively (Seattle). After the hit, Walsh settled in, striking out the next five batters he faced.

Walsh stayed out of trouble until the sixth, when a one-out triple by Brewster first baseman Christopher Wright (Bryant) put the tying run in scoring position. But Walsh induced a shallow flyout to left field and a groundout to third to preserve the lead.

“I don’t think he had his best fastball or best changeup but he could get his slider over for a strike and he threw it with intent,” catcher Zach Humphreys (TCU) said.

Despite relying heavily on one pitch and not having much playing time on the season, Walsh credited preparation and coaching for his excellent outing.

“I just make sure I get my work in, whether it’s flat ground or bullpens,” Walsh said. “Also, I talk to Bergy [assistant coach David Berg] and coach [Jerry] Weinstein a lot, and have them work with me, which is good.”