Eighth-Inning Single Lifts Whitecaps Past Braves

Eighth-Inning Single Lifts Whitecaps Past Braves

By: Jacob Janower

The best analogy to describe Friday night’s bout between the Brewster Whitecaps and the Bourne Braves is a roller coaster.

The contest featured its fair share of twists and turns, combined with steep drops and short-lived climbs to the top from both teams. It ended with the Whitecaps (18-19-1) coming up on top, 7-6.

Nick Dunn (Maryland) delivered the game-winning single to break the tie in the eighth inning.

The Braves put the tying run at third base with one out in the ninth inning, but Jonathan Stiever (Indiana) was able to record the final two outs.

Dunn’s hit came after one of the best power bats in the Cape Cod Baseball League flexed his muscles, as Whitecaps first baseman Chandler Taylor (Alabama) hit his league-leading 9th home run in the seventh inning. Taylor is no stranger to showing off his power, as he already competed in both the NCAA and CCBL Home Run Derby, and does not appear to be showing any ill-effects from the competitions. His long ball- which came off of Chad Luensmann (Nebraska)- was his second in as many days, and moved Brewster from down one run to ahead by two.

Bourne would come back to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning, as Andy Atwood (Texas Rio Grande Valley) hit his first home run of the season and Lyle Lin (Arizona State) evened it up with a run-scoring single.

The Braves had held the lead for most of the game, as they posted a four-run third inning after Brewster had struck first on a wild pitch.

The bottom of the order, featuring Kevin Radziewicz (Fairfield) and Atwood, served as the catalyst by getting the rally started. Radziewicz reached on an infield single and Atwood drew a walk, which paved the way for Richie Palacios’ (Towson) two-run double. The two-bagger extended Palacios’ hitting streak to eight games. Grant Williams (Kennesaw State) and Lin each followed with singles. Lin’s hit scored a run while Williams came around to score on a groundout by Jared Triolo (Houston).

Chad Luensmann (Nebraska) initially held the lead intact by recording a pivotal strike out with a runner on third and two outs in the sixth inning. The baserunner was put on by Ryan Simpler (East Tennessee State), who worked an inning and 2/3 scoreless in relief of the starter Bryan Hoeing (Louisville). The right-hander was making his first start and fifth appearance of the season.

Hoeing battled through the early run he allowed by retiring sixth straight in the second and third inning. It was after that when the trouble came. The Whitecaps loaded the bases with no outs, but Hoeing was able to get a double play before a single by Christian Molfetta (Stanford) cut the lead to just one run.

Brewster’s victory gave them a 3-1 advantage in the season series.

Scoreboard Watching

In the see-saw affair that is the West Division, the Falmouth Commodores reclaimed first place with a 2-1 win over the Wareham Gatemen. Nevertheless, the Braves still sit three points ahead of the Cotuit Kettleers for third-place.

Stat That Mattered

The Braves did not strike out until Palacios fanned swinging in the seventh inning, as simply putting the ball in play game them a chance to reach

Brave of the Game: Andy Atwood

Atwood’s home run was just the fourth that the home team has hit all season at Doran Park. He also drew two walks and scored two runs.

Coming Up: The Braves will play a home-and-home series agains the Hyannis Harbor Hawks on Saturday and Sunday. The first of the two games will take place in at McKeon Park in Hyannis.

You can contact the author via email (jjanower@gmail.com) or follow him on Twitter (@JanowerJacob).