The Cotuit Kettleers are heading to their fourth straight Cape Cod League Playoffs after finishing the regular season in second place of the Western division. The Kettleers will take on the first place Bourne Braves in a three-game series in the first round. In part one of our series preview, here’s a look at the regular season matchups between the Braves and Kettleers:
June 22nd, Bourne at Cotuit, rained out after four
The Braves’ first trip to Cotuit was rained out early in the season. Despite the game being cancelled, nearly half of the game was played. The Kettleers were up 5-3 through four innings before the rain picked up and the game was called. Nathan Martorella (California) had two RBI early on. For more on the June 22nd matchup, click here.
June 27th, Bourne at Cotuit, Braves win 9-2
Bourne made it back to Lowell Park just five days later for the first official game between Cotuit and Bourne in 2021. The Braves jumped on the Kettleers for a three-run first inning. Another three-run inning for Bourne, in the seventh, put the Kettleers away. Max Gieg (Boston College) allowed just one run over three innings out of the Cotuit bullpen. For more on the June 27th matchup, click here.
July 5th, Cotuit at Bourne, Kettleers win 2-0
The Kettleers traveled to Bourne for the first time on July 5th. The Braves entered the game undefeated. Cotuit handed Bourne their first loss of the season as the pitching staff combined for a shutout. Jake Smith (Miami), who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB draft a few days later, tossed five shutout innings. Andy Garriola (Old Dominion) hit a two-run home run for the game-winning hit. For more on the July 5th matchup, click here.
July 18th, Cotuit at Bourne, Braves win 3-1
The Braves and Kettleers met up in Bourne for another pitchers’ duel on July 18th. The Braves came out on top this time as Cotuit mustered just one run. Gieg was stellar against the Braves again, as he tossed 3.1 scoreless innings out of the pen. Martorella scored Cotuit’s only run. For more on the July 18th matchup, click here.
July 27th, Bourne at Cotuit, Kettleers win 13-2
The Kettleers’ offense finally broke out against the Bourne pitching staff on July 27th in a 13-2 win. Eric Brown Jr. (Coastal Carolina) led the way with five RBI. Carter Trice (Old Dominion) contributed three hits and three runs. Brett Roberts (Florida State) smashed his second homer of the season. Every Cotuit starter had a hit as the offense produced 14 hits. For more on the July 27th matchup, click here.
August 2nd, Cotuit at Bourne, Braves win 13-1
The Braves got some revenge in the last regular season matchup with a blowout of their own. A five-run fourth inning put the Kettleers’ away and snapped Cotuit’s five-game winning streak. Jace Grady (Dallas Baptist) led the Kettleers with two hits. Martorella scored the Kettleers’ only run again as he produced a walk and two hits. For more on the August 2nd matchup, click here.
Round one of CCBL playoffs, Cotuit vs. Bourne:
Friday, August 6th: Cotuit at Bourne, 6:00 PM, Doran Park
Saturday, August 7th: Cotuit vs. Bourne, 4:00 PM, Lowell Park
Sunday, August 8th: Cotuit at Bourne, 6:00 PM, Doran Park (if necessary)