Braves fall to Whitecaps in rainy, brisk conditions

By: Carson Field

Hours before first pitch at Stony Brook Field between Brewster and Bourne, things were messy. Rain poured down, creating a muddy infield and low visibility.

Just moments after Whitecaps starter Connor Shamblin delivered the first pitch, the rainfall halted. The climate was still cool and humid, but, for the time being, precipitation was no longer an issue.

But, while rain did not persist, the sloppy conditions did. As a result, the Braves struggled early on.

Starter Nick Dombkowski allowed three earned runs and five hits in only three innings of work. Offensively, Bourne crossed the plate just twice in the early going, despite reaching base nine times in the first three innings.

“Conditions were not good from the start, but they were not good for both teams,” Braves manager Harvey Shapiro said.

After a rough start from Dombkowski, Karl Johnson took over on the mound in the fourth inning. In relief, Johnson was exceptional, allowing zero hits in three innings pitched.

“The bullpen did alright,” Shapiro said. “The guys threw alright today and had control.”

Following Johnson’s exit from the game, Brewster took the plate just once more. Because of the poor conditions and visibility, the officials decided to call the game after the eighth inning’s conclusion.

It was up to Johnson’s replacement, Blake Burzell, to keep the game in check at 3-3. Though Burzell allowed just one hit, a Cody Morissette error proved costly and helped Brewster score the go-ahead run.

In the last frame, Bourne couldn’t capitalize on a favorable situation. Kyle Hess clocked a double into the gap with no outs. But the next two batters — Brendan Rivoli and Zavier Warren — both struck out.

The next batter, Alika Williams, sent a laser into left field, and Hess rounded third and turned for home. But Hess was thrown out by a mile, clinching a 4-3 win for Brewster.

Shapiro said he agreed with Hess’ attempt to score.

“I sent him,” Shapiro said. “We just had two guys strike out, and their guy was a tough pitcher.

“We had other opportunities to score.”

With the loss, Bourne has faltered to 3-4 on the young season. Barring any weather issues, the Braves’ next game will be home at 6 p.m. against Falmouth on Wednesday.