By Ben Fischer
University of Maryland
July 30, 2018

Zach Biermann (Coastal Carolina) jumpstarted Cotuit’s offense with a first-inning homer

COTUIT – After clinching a playoff spot Sunday in Bourne, the Kettleers showed they are not coasting into the postseason, battering the Brewster Whitecaps 9-2 for their third straight win and eighth in their last 10 games.

The Kets jumped ahead on their second at-bat of the game, when designated hitter Zach Biermann (Coastal Carolina) drilled a 1-0 pitch over the right field fence for his fifth home run of the season. The Kettleers added a second run on an RBI single by center fielder Duke Ellis (Texas).

Cotuit tacked on two more runs in the third on RBI groundouts by Biermann and first baseman Michael Toglia (UCLA). The Kettleers broke the game open with three more runs in the fourth inning. Third baseman Brady Smith (Florida) started the scoring with a sacrifice fly to second. Right Fielder Will Robertson (Creighton) followed up with an RBI double before Biermann drove in his third run of the game with a single up the middle.

Biermann has settled into the two-hole in the order since returning from a brief hiatus prior to the all-star game. Biermann credited staying within himself for his big day and his consistent hitting in the stretch run.

“I’m just staying on balls and not trying to do too much and when I get a pitch I can handle I just do the damage I can do,” Biermann said.

Addison Moss (Rice) was solid in his second start as a Kettleer

Starter Addison Moss (Rice) redeemed himself after a dismal debut in Chatham on July 23. Against the Anglers, Moss allowed five runs while recording just two outs. Monday against the Whitecaps, Moss was solid through 4 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and two runs and fanning five.

Brewster finally broke through in the fifth with a two-out, two-run double by Dominic Canzone (Ohio State). The Whitecaps proceeded to load the bases with two outs, but reliever Trey Holland (Sewanee) induced a flyout to right field to evade the threat.

The Kets continued their torrid offensive pace, scoring more than five runs for the fifth straight game. Cotuit’s used a balanced attack, with all nine starters reaching base and seven starters registering a hit.

While coach Mike Roberts praised his offense, he saves special recognition for his pitchers, giving credit to Moss for his bounceback start and to Holland for his solid debut.

“Moss was the Saturday starter at Rice and today I saw why,” Roberts said. “He was very good. So was Trey, in a different way, but they were both very good.”

The Kettleers stay home, facing the Wareham Gatemen Tuesday at Lowell Park. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.