By Ben Fischer
University of Maryland
August 1, 2018
Brady Smith (Florida) knocked in one of Cotuit’s three runs against Falmouth
FALMOUTH – After dominating the Brewster Whitecaps on Tuesday, the Kettleers looked like they were charging into the playoffs. Their momentum was dampened somewhat Wednesday when the Commodores dominated them 8-3 in Falmouth.
The Kets jumped ahead in the top of the second, scoring on an RBI fielder’s choice by left fielder Peyton Burdick (Wright State) and an RBI single by third baseman Brady Smith (Florida).
The lead lasted two batters into the bottom of the inning. Falmouth first baseman Davis Sims (Murray State) homered to right-centerfield to get one run back. On the very next pitch, third baseman Cameron Cannon (Arizona) homered to left center to tie the game.
The Commodores took a two-run lead in the third with two sacrifice flies. The Dores added three more in the fifth on a sac fly by Sims and a home run by shortstop Logan Davidson (Clemson).
Sims finished his big day in the seventh with a solo shot to left-center off reliever Seth Shuman (Georgia Southern).
Cotuit coach Mike Roberts said the Commodores potent and persistent attack “just kind of wore us out.” The Kets are now 0-4-1 against their West division rivals.
The Kettleers used four different pitchers, none of whom went more than three innings. The Kets have been keeping their pitchers on short innings in order to loosen up their pitchers while still keeping them fresh for the playoffs.
Roberts criticized his pitching staff for not mixing their pitches and speeds well enough. Roberts said that “everyone can hit a fastball” and that he wanted his batteries to do more to keep hitters off-balance.
The offense stagnated, failing to score four runs for the first time since July 19. While right fielder Will Robertson (Creighton) had both a home run and his fourth multi-hit game in a row, the team had just seven hits and only two for extra bases.
Will Robertson (Creighton) has a homer in each of Cotuit’s last two visits to Falmouth
The Kets sorely missed Zach Biermann (Coastal Carolina) in his normal two-spot in the order. Biermann was held out after being hit by a pitch on the hand Tuesday against Wareham. Three Kettleers combined to go 0-for-5 in the two-hole.
The loss locks Cotuit into the fourth seed in the West. The Kettleers will travel to either Wareham or Hyannis Saturday for their first playoff game. The Kets will finish their regular season at home Thursday against the Commodores with first pitch at 4:30 p.m.