The Cotuit Kettleers sit at .500 on the season after the second full week. The Kettleers entered the week fourth in the East Division, but now sit alone in the second spot in the East. After a loss and a cancellation started the week, Cotuit won three of four games heading into their off day to put their record at 7-7. Here’s how the Kettleers got it done this week.
Garriola breaks out in right moments
Andy Garriola (Old Dominion) came up with big hit after big hit this past week. The outfielder appeared in four games and collected a hit in three of four. Garriola’s two-run homer, his second of the season, drove in the only runs of the game on Monday as Cotuit handed the Braves their first loss of the season. On Wednesday, Garriola came off the bench and opened the flood gates against Chatham with a bases-clearing double. He finished the week 5-12 with five RBI.
Meis and Smith toss gems
Justin Meis (Eastern Michigan) made his third start of the season on Sunday and turned it into a gem. The right-handed pitcher dominated, pitched efficiently, and attacked the zone in a 4-3 win over Falmouth. The Eastern Michigan product tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. He allowed just one hit and two walks as he collected the W. Meis now has a 2.18 ERA in 12.1 IP this season.
Jake Smith (Miami) followed up Meis with a gem of his own on the following night. Smith got the start in Cotuit’s shutout of Bourne. For the second straight start, the right-hander didn’t allow a run over five innings. Smith walked one batter and allowed six hits. He has a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through two starts.
Bullpen arms impress
The Kettleers got clutch performances from a trio of relievers this week. After the Commodores trimmed a four-run lead to one on Sunday night, Andre Granillo (UC Riverside) slammed the door shut on Falmouth. Granillo tossed 2.1 scoreless innings as he recorded his first save of the summer. Granillo allowed just one hit and struck out two batters to protect the one-run lead.
Zach Cable (Oklahoma State) was electric in his first appearance as a Kettleer. Cable entered the game in the eighth inning with a two-run lead on Monday night. Cable dominated Bourne as he struck out three batters over the two innings. The right-handed pitcher ran his fastball into the upper-90’s as he collected a six-out save.
After two relief appearances in Cotuit, Shawn Rapp (North Carolina) made his first start of the season in the ‘opener’ role against Chatham. Rapp was spotless over three innings. The southpaw struck out five and allowed just three hits in three scoreless frames. Rapp set the tone from the first pitch, as he struck out the side in the first inning.
Brown Jr. returns from injury, gets hot at the plate
After returning from a minor injury, Eric Brown Jr. (Coastal Carolina) made an immediate impact in the Cotuit lineup. The middle infielder had hits in three of four starts this week. The Coastal Carolina product smashed his second homer of the season against Wareham on Tuesday. He also caused havoc on the bases, swiping two bags. After a 5-12 week, Brown is top-10 in the league with a .324 average.
Results:
Friday, at Harwich: 10-3 loss
Saturday, vs. Falmouth: Cancelled
Sunday, at Falmouth: 4-3 win
Monday, at Bourne: 2-0 win
Tuesday, vs. Wareham: 5-2 loss
Wednesday, vs. Chatham: 8-3 win
The week ahead:
Friday, July 9th: Cotuit vs. Harwich, 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 10th: Cotuit vs. Brewster, 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 11th: Cotuit at Falmouth, 6:00 PM
Monday, July 12th: Cotuit at Wareham, 6:45 PM
Tuesday, July 13th: Cotuit at Harwich, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, July 14th: Cotuit at Wareham, 6:45 PM