Anderson’s two-run blast allows Bravos to get revenge against Cotuit, Bourne wins 3-1

By: Nick Galle 

Jake Brooks entered Sunday’s matchup against the Braves with a 0.44 ERA, allowing just one run through 20 2/3 innings of work. It may have taken just over four innings, but Bourne would triple that ERA by nightfall.

After getting no-hit through 4 2/3 innings, the Bravos broke through behind an RBI double from Christian Knapczyk and a three-run frozen rope from Max Anderson that landed in Bourne’s bullpen. It was the first home run of the season for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and he wasn’t sure if it had the height to get out, but sure enough, it did.

“You know you got a good pitcher on the mound, he’s been good all year, and you’re just trying to not do too much,” Anderson said. “He’s got three (or) four pitches that he can throw for a strike and beat you with, so you just got to stay to your approach and just kind of let the bat do the work.”

After his Central Michigan University counterpart Andrew Taylor flew out of Massachusetts Sunday morning to return home, Jordan Patty recorded his best start of the season to earn his second win. The Chippewa went five shutout innings, allowed just three hits and struck out two.

“(I) try not to walk guys, let the defense play a little bit. Just working fastball, cutter. Pete called a great game back there, and trust him and trust our defense, and just worked out,” Patty said. “Give the team a chance to win, throw strikes, get the ball moved, let the defense work. Hopefully it’s good enough, and today it was.”

Knapczyk had been in the zone in the leadoff spot as of late, and the Louisville Cardinal didn’t skip a beat against the Kettleers. Entering play with four hits in his last nine at-bats, Knapczyk went 2-for-4 with one RBI, a double and a run scored.

“He knows his strength, and he stays within himself,” field manager Harvey Shapiro said. “A few weeks ago, I don’t know if it was strep throat, but he wasn’t feeling well. He hit a bad time for a short time, but that was it. Otherwise he’s been good, been very good.”

Following four scoreless innings against the Gatemen on Saturday night, the bullpen was once again masterful. Ben Ethridge surrendered just two hits and one run while striking out four in his three innings of relief. Eric Adler then came on for the top of the ninth, retired the Kettleers in order and earned his sixth save of the season.

Bourne will be at Doran Park once again tomorrow at 6 p.m. for its second home meeting of the season with Falmouth. The Bravos have won all three games against the Commodores this summer and won 4-2 behind a clutch two-RBI single from Josh Moylan last time the two teams met.

Cover photo via: Joe Sullivan