Braves’ bats stall in 3-1 loss to Harwich

By: Carson Field

When manager Harvery Shapiro stepped on the grass at Doran Park for the first time of the 2019 regular season, he hoped things would be different than Bourne’s 2-0 loss to Orleans on Monday.

They weren’t. In fact, things were all too similar.

Just like Monday, nothing was moving at the plate. In total, the Braves struck out 13 times against the Harwich Mariners.

After the game, Shapiro stressed the importance of putting the ball in play rather than going down on strikes.

“You can’t catch a strikeout,” Shapiro said. “If you put the ball in play, maybe they make some errors.

“But we struck out too many times.”

Despite the offensive stagnancy, Bourne scored its first run of the season. That scoring play came when Jimmy Glowenke drove in Shane Muntz from first on an RBI double. The double, however, was one of only three hits from the Braves.

After two games, the Braves are averaging 0.5 runs per game. Even so, catcher Jacob Campbell has confidence in the team’s ability to score.

“If we make pitchers earn their strikes, then we’ll be in good shape,” Campbell said. “We have a lot of talent, but we just gave a lot of strikes today.”

The Braves’ pitching staff was mostly efficient in Wednesday’s loss, allowing just three runs. But, due to the lack of run support, they never pushed ahead.

Early on, the Mariners crossed the plate twice from a surplus of infield singles. While holding a 2-1 lead, Jackson Greer hit a home run over the left-field foul pole, giving Harwich a two-run cushion.

That bomb, however, was controversial. After Greer crossed home plate, the umpires discussed whether or not it was fair or foul. Ultimately, the umpires confirmed the call and Harwich withheld its two-run lead.

Shapiro didn’t agree with the umpires’ decision.

“I’m not sure that was a home run,” Shapiro said. “I’m not sure the umpires know.”

In the ninth inning, Bourne returned with the top of its lineup. The stacked 1-2-3 punch of Noah Bridges, Cody Morissette and Alika Williams did no damage and all struck out, sealing the 3-1 win for Harwich.

The loss moves the Braves to 0-2 on the young season, placing them in the West Division’s cellar. Though an 0-2 hole is never what a team hopes for, Campbell said it’s important that the team doesn’t panic so early in the season.

“We just try to keep our emotions in check and go out there every day,” Campbell said. “We have to come out tomorrow and be more aggressive.”

Tomorrow, the Braves will get their chance at revenge when they face Harwich at Whitehouse Field.