Braves unable to contain the bats of Y-D
In snapping their six-game losing streak, the Bourne Braves prevented the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox from becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth. But when the two teams met for the second time in as many days, Y-D would not be denied again.
With the bats producing 17 hits, the Red Sox utilized a complete offensive performance in an 8-2 win over Bourne.
Braves’ starter Justin Lasko (Massachusetts) surrendered two earned runs (three total) and eight hits over three innings in his rockiest start of the summer. Prior to Thursday, the right-hander had not conceded more than five hits in any appearance and lasted at least five innings in his previous four starts.
Y-D jumped ahead early behind RBI from Quin Cotton (Grand Canyon) and Jonathan Deluca (Oregon).
Facing a 3-0 deficit, Bourne climbed back into the game on the shoulders of Jared Triolo (Houston). The Braves’ third baseman hit a line drive solo home run, his fourth of the summer, to dead center field before an RBI single cut the lead to 3-2.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit at the plate, chasing pitches and I thought I did a better job of not chasing pitches today,” Triolo said.
However, that was as close as the Braves came to a comeback.
Following a 4.2 inning start by Michael Henley (Texas), the bullpen of Y-D was electric against Bourne as it allowed just two hits across the final 4.1 innings. As a collective unit, manager Scott Pickler’s pitching staff struck out 15 Braves, led by seven from Henley.
As the Cape Cod League All-Star Game rapidly approaches, Bourne finds itself in last place with 12 games remaining. Though the Braves’ morale may appear low to some after losing seven of their past eight, Triolo believes that there is time to turn the corner.
“If I recall last year, after the All-Star break we kind of turned it on,” Triolo said. “I’m thinking that’s just the culture of the Bourne Braves.”
Coming Up: The Braves remain on the road, venturing to Spillane Field for a Friday evening tilt with the Wareham Gatemen.
