Wareham, MA- The Kettleers led for all but one inning on Wednesday, stringing together timely hits and pitching efficiently en route to defeating the Wareham Gatemen 6-1. Cotuit (10-9) is back in the win column after last night’s loss and has won three of it’s last four contests.
The Cotuit pitching staff shined today, allowing just one run on the day. Trey Holland (Denison) got the start and was effective, and Ryan Long (Pomona Pitzer) and Zach Fruit (Eastern Michigan) surrendered only three hits out of the pen. Fruit and Long navigated through a tough Wareham lineup to seal the deal. “Three really good pitchers gave us a chance to win today” said Coach Roberts, who was pleased with the performances from his staff.
Moments that mattered:
Kettleers grab an early lead
After Cotuit went down in order in the top of the first, Brooks Baldwin (UNC Wilmington) led off the top of the second with a double. With Baldwin on second, Kettleers newcomer Drew Compton (Georgia Tech) worked a walk to bring up Jace Grady (Dallas Baptist). Grady hit a homer last night, and continued to find barrels as he lined a single over the second baseman to score Baldwin. With the score 1-0, Ryan Ritter (Kentucky) worked a walk to load the bases with one out. The Kettleers would then strike again on a fielder’s choice by Matt Donlan (UConn) to make the score 2-0.
Holland looks strong in Kettleers debut
Cotuit starter Trey Holland (Denison) was activated today, and tossed three strong innings for the Kettleers. Holland only struck out one batter, but was able to induce a lot of weak contact. The Denison product was able to navigate his three innings throwing just 27 pitches. “Fastball and cutter were on tonight” said Holland. “I was filling up the zone early and was throwing strikes and moving it well.” Holland will look to continue to be a part of the Cotuit rotation for the rest of the season.
Kettleers put up three in the eighth
Holding on to a two-run lead through seven innings, Cotuit was able to produce three insurance runs to obtain a comfortable five run lead in the eighth. Eric Brown (Coastal Carolina) got things started off with a single. After Brown stole second, RJ Schreck (Duke) smacked a single of his own to put runners on the corners with one out. Baldwin immediately singled to center for his second hit of the game, scoring Brown to make the score 4-1. That would bring up Nathan Martorella (California), who was subbed in as a defensive replacement. Martorella wasted no time, clubbing a two-RBI single to make the score 6-1. “He came off the bench and his hands were much shorter and he got to the ball and it took off” said a happy Coach Roberts of Martorella.
Notables:
Trey Holland (Denison): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K
Brooks Baldwin (UNC Wilmington): 2-4, 2B, RBI
Matt Donlan (UConn): 2-4, 2 RBI
Nathan Martorella (California): 1-1, 2 RBI
Up next: The Kettleers are off tomorrow, but host Chatham on Friday at 5:00 PM.